Grizzly charges at pair fishing in Montana creek, officials say. One shot at it (2025)

Two people were fishing in a Montana creek when a grizzly bear came charging toward them, officials said.

One angler pulled out their weapon and shot at it, officials said.

The pair was fishing in Red Rock Creek on Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said in a April 24 news release obtained by McClatchy News.

The wild animal appeared from the “thick brush” and charged at the anglers, wildlife officials said.

One person shot at the bear in self defense, and they left the area with no injuries, officials said.

They reported the incident and wildlife officers went to the area on April 23 to find the bear but couldn’t, so it’s not known if the animal was wounded.

A section of Red Rock Creek was closed to the public for their safety until May 5.

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is in southern Montana, near the Idaho border.

Grizzly bears have been listed as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 1975 in the lower 48 states.

They are protected at a state and federal level, making it illegal to “harm, harass, or kill grizzly bears, except in cases of self defense or the defense of others.”

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.

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• 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.