Hunter charged with illegal grizzly bear kill

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — A hunter from Teton Village has been charged with killing a grizzly bear without a license after he told authorities he shot the animal earlier this month near Ditch Creek.

Stephen Westmoreland, 40, told authorities he spotted the bear when it was approaching him from about 40 yards away, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department report. The report says Westmoreland was covered in blood because he'd just gutted a deer, and, fearing that the bear would attack him if it got closer, shot the animal twice. Westmoreland reported the incident to the Teton County Sheriff's Office.

It is legal to shoot a grizzly in self-defense, but authorities contend there was no immediate threat to Westmoreland.