Bozeman hunter shoots, kills 500-pound female grizzly bear

GREAT FALLS – Montana wildlife officials say a Bozeman hunter shot and killed a female grizzly bear after it charged at him.

The Great Falls Tribune reported the initial investigation by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks shows the Saturday shooting was in self-defense.

Grizzly Bear Management Specialist Wesley Sarmento said the nearly 500-pound female bear began charging after the hunter shot a pheasant outside of Pendroy, a community located 79 miles northwest of Great Falls.

According to Sarmento, the bear had initially charged at a dog but later turned its attention to the hunter.

Sarmento says the hunter shot the bear in the chest and face.

Wildlife officers say the female bear had three 10-month cubs that have low chances of survival without their mother.