- (1) A person may kill or attempt to kill a wolf or mountain lion that is in the act of attacking or killing a domestic dog.
- (2) A person who, under this section, takes wildlife protected by this title shall notify the department within 72 hours and shall surrender or arrange to surrender the wildlife to the department.
- (3) In accordance with the rights conferred on Montana citizens pursuant to Article II, sections 3 and 12, of the Montana constitution, the legislature finds the act of a grizzly bear attacking or killing a person is an absolute defense against a person who takes a grizzly bear in accordance with this section being charged with a crime under Montana law. Grizzly bears threatening, attacking, or killing livestock may only be taken as provided in 87-5-301.
- (4) When a grizzly bear poses a threat to a person through consistent presence or proximity to people or inhabited dwellings, the person may contact the department. If, on investigation, the department finds the grizzly bear is a threat, the department may control, trap, or remove the grizzly bear or issue a permit to the person to kill the grizzly bear to mitigate the threat to human safety.
- (5) As used in this section, "livestock" means cattle, swine, horses, mules, sheep, goats, llamas, donkeys, and livestock guard dogs.
History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 258, L. 2011; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 485, L. 2021; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 670, L. 2023.