Man shoots and kills grizzly bear in Montana in self defense after it attacks

A 72-year-old man shot and killed a grizzly bear in Montana after it charged and attacked him on Friday. He has since been hospitalized.

The man was reportedly out picking huckleberries when the confrontation occurred, according to a release from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. 

He used a handgun to kill the bear in what officials say was a "surprise defensive encounter." The incident occurred approximately 2 miles north of Columbia Falls in Flathead County.