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Man kills grizzly bear at close range near Trego
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said the landowner was unhurt after the bear was shot at close range during a nighttime noise investigation.
On Thursday, October 1, 2026, a Trego-area landowner shot and killed a five-year-old male grizzly bear after encountering the animal at close range while investigating noises on his property, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks . The landowner was uninjured.
During fall, bears enter hyperphagia, a period of intense feeding where they consume massive amounts of calories to build fat reserves before winter denning. This increased feeding drive heightens the potential for bear-related conflicts.
This mortality brings 2026 grizzly deaths to 36, matching the total recorded in 2025. Montana has documented 281 grizzly bear-human conflicts this year, compared to 224 throughout 2025.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FWP are investigating the incident to determine whether it qualifies as a defense-of-life killing under the Endangered Species Act. The investigation is ongoing.
FWP said securing attractants in bear-resistant containers is the most effective way to prevent conflicts. More information is available on FWP's "Living in Bear Country" webpage.