Grizzly charges landowner checking on chickens on Montana property, officials say
A landowner shot and killed a grizzly bear that got into the chicken coop on his Montana property, wildlife officials said.
The man had heard a disturbance outside the night of July 10 and went outside to check it out, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said in a news release.
He discovered the bear getting into a chicken coop on his property east of Kalispell, officials said.
He shot and killed the bear when it approached him, officials said. He was not injured in the encounter.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating.
Kalispell is in the northwestern part of the state, about a 430-mile drive northwest from Billings.
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
This story was originally published July 16, 2025 at 6:18 PM with the headline "Grizzly charges landowner checking on chickens on Montana property, officials say."
