Griz attacks hunters

Two archery hunters were attacked Wednesday morning after what they described as a surprise encounter with a sow grizzly bear with cubs in the Apache Ridge area of the Upper Pack River drainage north of Sandpoint.

One of the men was injured and has been released from the hospital with stitches, according to an Idaho Department of Fish and Game press release.

The hunters reported deploying their bear spray during the attack. Both men were able to walk out of the backcountry.

Fish and Game Conservation Officers are investigating the incident.

People recreating in the Upper Pack River drainage, including the Harrison Lake area, are advised to use caution. Black bears and grizzly bears both inhabit the Selkirk Mountains and forest users should always be prepared for bear encounters.

Fish and Game recommends carrying bear spray in grizzly country, which includes all of Game Management Unit 1 in the Panhandle.