A big game hunter shot and killed a male grizzly bear after it lunged at him Saturday morning, while the man man hunted at North Antelope Flats near Island Park on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

Idaho Fish and Game reported that as the hunter hiked through thick timber, the grizzly leapt out of the thicket directly toward the man.

“The man used the hunting rifle he was carrying to shoot the bear, killing it before contact was made,” said the organization. “(The) big game hunter shot and killed a male grizzly bear in self-defense after it charged him from a short distance away while hunting.”

The man called the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office shortly afterward to report what happened.

“The man used the hunting rifle he was carrying to shoot the bear, killing it before contact was made,” said Fish and Game.

Shortly after contacting the sheriff’s office, Idaho Fish and Game immediately responded to the scene.

“After conducting a thorough investigation, it was determined the hunter acted in self-defense as he was being charged by a bear from a close distance,” said the organization.

State and federal law protects grizzly bears, Fish and Game said. The organization also reminded hunters that the Greater Yellowstone area and parts of the Gem State, particularly Northern Idaho, are home to grizzly bears, and it’s common for people to encounter the animals. The bears have also been known to make their way to Grangeville and Salmon in central Idaho.

Fish and Game urged hunters to keep bear spray accessible, hunt with partners and let each other know your plans and look for grizzly bear signs that include fresh tracks.

“Let {span class=”NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW176904554 BCX0”}partners know if you do see a sign (of tracks),” it said.

Fish and Game also urged hunters to hang meat, food and garbage at least 200 yards from campsites and to have it at least 10 feet off the ground.

“When not actively hunting, make noise, especially around creeks and thick vegetation. Most attacks occur by inadvertently surprising a bear at close range,” it said.

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