Black Bear Hunter Shoots Grizzly By Mistake

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While black bear hunting on October 25 th, Lawrence Lefebvre of Big Fork shot and killed what he believed was a black bear. When Lefebvre approached the dead bear, he realized that it was a grizzly. Lefebvre notified FWP officials immediately. Warden Chuck Bartos and Captain Lee Anderson investigated the incident and Bartos wrote Lefebvre a citation for killing a grizzly bear during a closed season. Anderson commended Lefebvre for doing everything correctly to resolve this matter once realizing he had made a mistake.

Anderson noted that all hunters should review the characteristics used to identify black bears and grizzly bears. "If you aren’t absolutely sure, don’t shoot," Anderson said.

On November 12, 2008 Lefebvre appeared in Lake County Justice Court and pled guilty to shooting a grizzly bear during a closed season. This violation carries a maximum fine of up to $2000 and restitution of $2000. Lefebvre received a fine of $135 and 6 months in jail, which was suspended.

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