‘Tis the season for grizzly bear attacks. And a Montana shed hunter got to experience one up close and personal last Friday. Fortunately, he lived to tell the tale. The attack occurred while the man sought out shed antlers in north-central Montana near Dupuyer, according to a news release.

He first spotted the bear “on a brushy hillside” and was charged “at close range” when he was leaving. He was able to shoot and kill the bear, which Montana officials say was an adult female in “good condition with no history of conflict.” She was estimated to be about 13 years old and weighed around 250 pounds.

Grizzly bears are listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. It is illegal to kill them unless it is in self-defense or in the defense of others.

With bears waking up across the West, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with GOHUNT’s bear-aware tips and tricks.