On 10/5/24 at 2:08 pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received a 911 call from a hunter just south of the Hidden Lakes complex who reported he was charged by a Grizzly bear and then was forced to climb a tree to find safety.  The hunter reported being charged by a sow grizzly bear with two cubs.  The hunter defended themself by shooting the bear with a pistol before climbing a tree.  The wounded bear remained in the area causing the hunter stay in the tree to wait for help.

A MT Fish Wildlife and Parks helicopter was dispatched to assist the hunter.  Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue teams in Big Sky mobilized and staged at key locations to respond to the hunter’s location if needed.  MT FWP personnel landed near the treed hunter and dispatched the wounded Grizzly.  The hunter was not injured during this encounter and was transported by helicopter to safety.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind hunters to remain observant of their surroundings when hunting big game in Montana’s backcountry.  Carry bear spray and hunt in groups if possible.  Avoid areas where bear sign is present and always have a communication device to call for help if something goes wrong.