Generic grizzly bear image.

Fall hunting seasons increase the likelihood of surprise grizzly bear encounters, which often result in bears being shot.

That was the case last Saturday when an Idaho hunter shot and killed a male grizzly bear in what was determined to have been self-defense.

KSL Idaho reports that the hunter was charged by the grizzly bear as he maneuvered through dense vegetation near Island Park.

The unidentified hunter shot the bear with a rifle, killing the animal before it reached him. He reported the incident to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office.

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On Friday, Idaho Fish and Game issued a statement to East Idaho News: "After conducting a thorough investigation, it was determined that the hunter acted in self-defense as he was being charged by a bear from a close distance.”

Grizzly bears are protected by state and federal law. They can only be killed in self-defense.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Idaho hunter kills grizzly bear with rifle during apparent attack

Reporting by Pete Thomas, For The Win / For The Win

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