A hunter says he was defending himself when he shot a grizzly bear in Western Montana.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said an adult female grizzly charged Shawn Damschen of Coram on Monday near Marias Pass.

FWP said Damschen reported the adult bear and two younger ones approached him. He said he yelled and the younger bears ran off, but the sow charged.

Damschen fired two shots from his rifle at a distance of about 10 feet, and hit the bear.

Later a wildlife warden, Damschen and a companion returned to the area and found the wounded bear.

The warden killed it.