A pair of hunters survived a run-in with three grizzly bears east of Seeley Lake on Wednesday morning.

Hiking to retrieve a mule deer they had harvested earlier in the morning of Nov. 5, the hunters were about two miles from the Pyramid Pass Trailhead when they spotted the grizzlies running toward them from about 100 yards away, said officials with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

When waving and yelling failed to deter the onrushing bruins, one of the hunters opened fire. Officials said the hunter shot and possibly killed two of the bears. The third retreated toward the carcass of the mule deer, authorities said. 

The two hunters left the area immediately and reported the confrontation to the state wildlife agency, officials said. 

The United States Forest Service has since posted signs at the Pyramid Pass Trailhead warning visitors of bear activity. 

State wildlife officials urge hunters to take the following precautions to avoid encounters with bears:

• Carry bear spray and have it accessible.
• Watch for and be extra cautious around bear sign, creeks and areas with limited visibility. Most incidents happen in surprise, close encounters.
• Hunt with a group of people. This can help you make localized noise to alert bears to your presence, and groups of people are more likely to deter a bear than a solo hunter.
• Be aware that elk calls and cover scents can attract bears.
• When retrieving a harvested animal, use extra caution.
• Bring the equipment and people needed to help field dress game, and remove the meat from where it was harvested as quickly as possible.
• If you need to leave part of the meat in the field during retrieval, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground, if possible, and at least 100 yards from the gut pile. Leave it in an open area where it can be observed from a distance.
• Upon your return, observe the meat with binoculars. Make noise while approaching the meat. If it has been disturbed or if a bear is in the area, leave and call FWP.
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.