What justifies self-defense in a grizzly killing? We still don't know.

At least seven grizzly bears died in Montana in 2023 after being shot by hunters. Another grizzly was wounded by a bird hunter’s shotgun but not found.

All were judged to be self-defense.

Official accounts from the investigating agencies mention close encounters, but the phrase “close range” is never defined.

The investigative criteria used in fatal grizzly encounter is elusive to the public.

So Duncan Adams asked FWP, the Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Justice what criteria are used to determine whether a grizzly shooting occurs in self-defense.

He’s with me today to discuss his findings.

Montana Untamed, hosted by Thom Bridge, covers the state's rugged landscape from hook and bullet to policy and science.