Texas man pleads not guilty in Park bear shooting

A 57-year-old Texas man facing a federal misdemeanor charge of discharging a firearm in a national park pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court held in the Glacier National Park Community Hall in the Headquarters District on Sept. 26.

The charge stems from a July 26 incident on the Mount Brown Lookout Trail in Glacier Park. Brian R. Murphy was charged shortly after the incident, although Park officials initially reported that the case was “under investigation.”

Murphy reported that he was hiking alone when the bear charged him about 9:30 a.m. He said he used bear spray and then shot his .357 revolver at the bear. He said he then quickly hiked back to the trailhead, warning other hikers about the incident.

Park rangers immediately closed the trail and began searching for the bear. Park rangers and bear specialists hiked up from the trailhead or were transported via helicopter to the Mount Brown Lookout area.

It’s unknown if the bear was a grizzly or black bear, but evidence indicated the bear was wounded.

Murphy appeared in court via telephone conference and entered a plea of not guilty. His attorney appeared in person.

It is legal to carry a gun in Glacier National Park, but it’s illegal to discharge it. A conviction carries a $500 fine.