Wounded grizzly creates hazard at Marias Pass

Officials from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are warning hunters and other recreationists to beware of a wounded grizzly bear in Hunting District 415 near Marias Pass. Hunters should take extra caution while hunting and removing animals from the field.

Officials report that two groups of hunters were charged by a female grizzly and her two cubs on Sunday and Monday, Oct. 26-27, off Forest Service Trail 133, about 2 1/2 miles east of Marias Pass.

A bear was shot and wounded. Until the bear is located, officials recommend avoiding this area. The wounded grizzly bear makes the situation dangerous to anyone in the area.

FWP will bring in a helicopter in an attempt to locate the bear and to assess options to reduce the danger to hunters. Hunters are reminded to carry bear spray and use extra caution when in the field or retrieving harvested animals.