A grizzly bear, apparently shot by a western Montana black bear hunter, is at the center of a federal investigation. Grizzly bears are a protected species under the Endangered Species Act and because an investigation is underway, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Spokesman Ryan Moehring was able to provide just a few details.

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in conjunction with its partners at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is actively investigating the self-reported killing of a grizzly bear by a black bear hunter in the Johnson Creek drainage near Bonner, Montana. This is an active ongoing investigation and the service will share more information with the public when the circumstances of the case permit.”

According to Moehring the grizzly bear is a large, male. A necropsy is currently underway and more details will be available after the results of that study. The bear was shot during black bear season in mid may. To hunt black bears, Montana hunters are required to pass a bear identification test designed to prevent incidents like this.

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