Bear shooting reported, but no carcass found

KALISPELL, Mont. – A hunter reported shooting a grizzly bear in self-defense on the Whitefish Divide last week, but Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wardens have not been able to find the bear.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesman John Fraley told the Daily Inter Lake that a father and son from the Kalispell area were hunting deer Nov. 24 on Stryker Ridge when they encountered a grizzly bear with two cubs.

The man told wardens the sow bear charged and he fired in self-defense, Fraley said.

The shot apparently stopped the charge, allowing the man and his son to retreat.

After the man reported the shooting, warden Matt Heaton patrolled the area that day but was unable to find any trace of the bears.

On Saturday, grizzly bear management specialist Tim Manley surveyed the area from a helicopter and was unable to see any sign of the bears. Heaton returned to the area for another foot search on Monday.

“They never could find a track,” Fraley said. “I think if the bullet made contact there would have been blood, and it would have been visible with that much continuous snow cover.”

Because no wounded or dead animal was located, Fraley said, “We’re just considering it a closed case.”