Another bear death...

[bobcat]

This has been a record setting year (not in a good way) for bear deaths in Montana, 2 in Yellowstone this year, and now this...


Grizzly bear kills hunter in remote Montana

Libby is a very remote corner of the state in exteme NE Montana, be careful out there during hunting season.

[jkc]

Yet another case of a "report" lacking any actual details or salient facts, perhaps because none were available, more likely, because probing questions weren't asked...

"Who?" Victims name not being released for legit reasons --- OK

"What?" A grizzly bear, sex unknown or unmentioned ---goes to the question of whether or not cubs might have been involved, etc. What were the hunters hunting? How does this tie to the tale?

"Where?" Sufficient detail presented, especially in a piece whose readers wouldn't recognize details in most instances...

"Why?" Might the hunter have been attacked? How come no comment from authorities (Sheriff or Game Dept.) familiar with the incident? Why is the hunter who killed the bear subject to charges --- what is the actual law regarding killing endangered (and dangerous) species in self-defense?

Seems to me that an inquisitive reporter might have fleshed out an otherwise stark story by asking and answering similar questions, but, once again, I'm not surprised, just disappointed, by what passes for "journalism" these days ...

[CH47gunner]

Got to wonder tho -

As a kid growing, up in Montana, I did a lot of fishing & camping around Tally Lake. Pops made sure we knew about bears. Especially sows w/ cubs or around the huckleberry patches.

Hard to believe a local would be caught unawares.

I also think these incidents are indicative of the grizz population increase and will weigh heavily in any decision to harvest same.

Bruce

[27145]

Kill a human in self defense, ok. Kill a grizzly in self defense, you worry about criminal charges. ***?

[Texas Star]

In Montana? I just tonight read a story about the killing of a hunter by a bear in Idaho, near the Canadian border. A friend of the hunter shot the bear, but the first man had been mortally mauled.

I think the case posted about here may involve a man who shot a grizzly on his land after it menaced his family and stock. He was charged because his family had been able to take shelter in the house after the bear was wounded. The rancher said he continued to shoot to avoid a dangerous wounded bear escaping to kill someone. He did notify the game and fish people, and they said that was a factor in deciding to drop charges.

Republican politicians arranged for him to pay a $1,000 fine to get the charges dropped. They said they'd work to get the Endangered Species law changed to provide more clearly for self defense from bears and the like. That is certainly needed! I think it is morally reprehensible to charge a human with anything when he was afraid for his life or livestock. That goes for protected rattlesnakes and the like, too.

[Peter J.]

Bears are on the march. Getting back at us humans.