ISLAND PARK, Idaho — A hunter shot and killed a male grizzly bear in self-defense Friday morning after the animal charged him at close range in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) officials said the incident occurred on Oct. 18 in the North Antelope Flats area of Island Park while the man was big game hunting. The hunter was hiking through thick timber when the grizzly emerged from the brush and charged directly at him from a short distance.

The hunter used his hunting rifle to kill the bear before it made contact, officials said. He called the Fremont County Sheriff's Office as soon as possible to report the incident.

IDFG said it responded immediately and conducted a thorough investigation. The department determined the hunter acted in self-defense while b

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