A pair of Idaho bowhunters got a bit more than they bargained for last weekend while chasing elk in the middle of grizzly country. The attack took place near Henrys Lake in Island Park, just to the west of Yellowstone National Park, after the men unknowingly jumped a grizzly bear at around 7AM.
The bear sprung into action almost immediately, by knocking one of the hunters to the ground and biting him. Both of the hunters went on the defense and promptly reached for their sidearms. After a few shots, the pair had successfully dispatched their attacker and were able to assess the injuries sustained during the encounter.
The pair of bowhunters wasted no time calling 911 and getting emergency services to their location. The injured hunter was airlifted via helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, where he was soon treated for his non-life-threatening injuries.
While grizzly bears are a protected species, Idaho officials conducted an investigation into the incident and soon declared it a self defense situation. Determining that the two men had shot the bear in defense-of-life, there would be no further penalties or charges for their actions.
“I am extremely grateful that both of these individuals survived this encounter,” said IDFG regional supervisor Matt Pieron. “I have had the opportunity to speak with the injured hunter and his family and they are truly wonderful people. I wish him a speedy recovery from his injuries and the trauma these two hunters experienced.
Pieron went on to say that this has been a busy year with grizzly bears, particularly with regards to depredation on local cattle. This was, however, the first attack in the area this year, despite being one of the most densely populated areas for grizzly bears in the Lower 48.
He went on to say that he was thankful that the two men were hunting in pairs. Should this have been a solo hunt, the results could have certainly been worse.
“They were hunting together, and so they were able to come to each other’s aid,” Pieron said. “It’s always a good idea to be in at least pairs — if not more — which is just a really good rule of thumb in the backcountry period, whether you’re hunting or doing anything in grizzly bear country.”
