ISLAND PARK — On Saturday morning, a big game hunter shot and killed a male grizzly bear in self-defense, according to a statement from the Idaho Fish and Game.

The bear charged the man from a short distance while the man was hunting in the North Antelope flats area of Island Park on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

The hunter was hiking through thick timber when the grizzly came out of the brush, charging directly toward him, wildlife officials said. The man used the hunting rifle he was carrying to shoot the bear, killing it before contact was made.

The man called the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office as soon as he was able to report the incident, wildlife officials said.

Idaho Fish and Game was notified and immediately responded to the report, according to the prepared statement r

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