Two hunters emerged uninjured after an encounter with three grizzly bears on the morning of November 5th along the Pyramid Pass Trail, situated east of Seeley Lake.
According to FWP reports, the hunters had successfully harvested a mule deer buck earlier that morning and were in the process of retrieving it when they encountered the bears. At approximately two miles from the Pyramid Pass Trailhead, they observed three grizzly bears approximately 100 yards away, advancing directly toward them.
The hunters reported that they attempted to deter the bears by yelling and waving their arms; however, the bears continued their approach without hesitation. In response to the imminent danger, one of the hunters discharged a firearm, which may have resulted in the death of two of the grizzly bears, while the third bear retreated toward the mule deer carcass.
Following this incident, the hunters departed the site without further complications and promptly reported the encounter as an act of self-defense to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. In light of this event, the U.S. Forest Service has taken precautionary measures by posting signs at the Pyramid Pass Trailhead to inform visitors regarding the recent bear activity.
FWP advises everyone that bears will remain active during hunting seasons this fall. They recommend the following precautions to help hunters avoid encounters with bears.
- Carry bear spray and have it accessible.
- Watch for and be extra cautious around bear sign, creeks and areas with limited visibility. Most incidents happen in surprise, close encounters.
- Hunt with a group of people. This can help you make localized noise to alert bears to your presence, and groups of people are more likely to deter a bear than a solo hunter.
- Be aware that elk calls and cover scents can attract bears.
- When retrieving a harvested animal, use extra caution.
- Bring the equipment and people needed to help field dress the game, and remove the meat from where it was harvested as quickly as possible.
- If you need to leave part of the meat in the field during retrieval, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground, if possible, and at least 100 yards from the gut pile. Leave it in an open area where it can be observed from a distance.
- Upon your return, observe the meat with binoculars. Make noise while approaching the meat. If it has been disturbed or if a bear is in the area, leave and call FWP.
- Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.
To learn more about how to be safe in bear country, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
