A Montana landowner shot and killed a male grizzly bear near Trego on the morning of October 1 after encountering the animal at close range while investigating noises on his property. The landowner was not injured during the incident.

Officials from both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks responded to the scene to investigate the kill. Such encounters are monitored closely by state and federal agencies responsible for wildlife management and conservation in the region.

Fall is typically a period of heightened activity for bears as they move more frequently in search of food before winter hibernation. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Christy Clark noted that this seasonal behavior increases the likelihood of human-bear interactions across the state.

“We are thankful to know the landowner was unharmed in this incident,” Clark said.