May 13, 1999 Missoulian Article: Grizzly surprises man at Big Mountain condo by Michael Jamison

When Brian Beck stepped out of his Big Mountain condo Tuesday night, the last thing he expected to see was a grizzly bear standing on its hind legs in the parking lot. "But that's what I saw," Beck said "It was just standing there looking at me. Beck, who admits his heart "was going a little faster than normal," decided to run the bruin off rather than step back inside.

"My truck was between me and the bear," he said, "and there was pepper spray in the truck."

While Beck collected his spray, the bear continued to watch with curious interest, standing atop a snowdrift left over from plowing the parking lot. Beck shouted and gestured as he approached, but the bear didn't budge.

I finally went as close as I felt l could and blasted," he said, "but I probably wasn't close enough."

Nevertheless, the bear dropped to all fours and wandered off toward the Big Mountain village, located at the base of the ski runs.

"It's not uncommon to have bears up here," he said, "especially black bears, but this is the first time I've ever seen a grizzly in the parking lot." Wildlife officials said it could be a radio collared bear known to frequent the flanks of the ski resort, and if so it is a smallish grizzly; weighing in at about 250 pounds.

"All I know is it was a gorgeous creature," Beck said. "Bear watching from your condo only in Montana.