Montana Man Protects Home from Intruding Black Bear, Shoots and Kills the Animal

A Montana couple, Seeley Oblander and Thomas Bolkcom, had an alarming and unexpected awakening when they found a black bear in their living room in the early hours of the morning.

Reacting swiftly to protect themselves, the couple took matters into their own hands, shooting and killing the intruding bear. 

This gripping tale highlights the challenges and responsibilities of coexisting with wildlife in regions where human-wildlife interactions are prevalent.

At 3 am, Seeley Oblander and Thomas Bolkcom were disturbed by their dog, Maizey, barking persistently. 

Initially attributing it to a raccoon or a skunk outside, they tried to dismiss the noise. 

However, as the dog’s barking intensified, Thomas decided to investigate the source of the commotion downstairs.

To his astonishment, Thomas Bolkcom came face-to-face with a black bear standing just five feet away in their living room. 

Armed with only a T-shirt and underwear, he quickly retreated upstairs, grabbed a handgun, and returned to confront the intruder. 

With nerves of steel, he shot the bear, which fled into the couple’s sunroom, prompting him to fire several more shots.

Seeley Oblander praised her fiancé’s quick reaction, commending him for handling the situation adeptly. 

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Montana Couple’s Black Bear Encounter: A Tale of Self-Defense and Awareness

While Thomas dealt with the bear, Seeley stayed downstairs with their dogs, trying to keep them calm and out of harm’s way.

The couple called their fathers and Bolkcom’s brothers for assistance. 

Together, they moved the deceased bear, estimated to be about 10 years old and weighing 250 to 300 pounds, out of the house and into their rural Luther, Montana yard.

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks spokesperson Chrissy Webb, the local warden deemed the shooting justified in self-defense. 

The bear had entered the couple’s home through a screened window, an unusual and concerning behavior. 

Authorities also emphasized the importance of properly storing attractants in communities to prevent such incidents in the future.

While relieved that nobody was injured during the encounter, the couple and their families couldn’t help feeling a sense of sadness over the bear’s demise. 

They acknowledged that it was a beautiful creature but recognized the need to protect themselves and their property from potential dangers.

As Montana residents continue to share their living spaces with wildlife, maintaining awareness and preparedness will remain vital in fostering harmonious coexistence with nature.

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Source: Fox News