DUPUYER, MT – A Montana man shed hunting in the north-central part of the state shot and killed a grizzly bear on April 11, after it reportedly charged him at close range.

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the hunter was not harmed during the encounter.

The man was searching for antlers on a brushy hillside near Dupuyer when he first saw the adult grizzly. As he left the area, the bear charged at him and the man shot and killed the bear, according to FWP.

The bear was an adult female grizzly estimated to be 13 years old in good condition, according to FWP, with no history of conflict with humans.

FWP also reported the sow had a single yearling cub that was found on site, unharmed, but wildlife officials will not take management action for the yearling.

This is the 1st known grizzly bear mortality in 2025 according to FWP’s grizzly mortality dashboard.

The dashboard was launched last year to help the agency increase transparency, educate Montanans on why grizzlies are killed or die when they are currently federally protected, and to show that the state is ready to manage the species on its own.

As bears emerge from hibernation throughout the spring, FWP officials remind all Montanans heading into frontcountry or backcountry terrain to always carry bear spray, travel in groups, make noise, and keep garbage, food and other attractants in secure bins or buildings

This story was first published on Daily Montanan.