GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Authorities say a man in Oregon trying to protect his home from a bear instead fatally shot his brother by mistake, then killed himself.

Josephine County Undersheriff Travis Snyder said the man called 911 around 7 a.m. Tuesday and told dispatchers he had "accidentally shot his brother while loading a gun" after being startled by the bear.

PORTLAND SEES 4 DEADLY SHOOTINGS AMID LOW POLICE MORALE, PUBLIC'S SAFETY CONCERNS

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports deputies went to the home in Sunny Valley, an unincorporated community off Interstate 5 in the southwest corner of the state. There they found a man dead from a gunshot wound.

A grizzly bear. 

A grizzly bear.  (iStock)

Snyder said they checked the rural residence and found a second man dead. He had died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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Sheriff’s officials did not immediately identify either man.

Oregon State Police and local deputies continue to investigate the shootings.

[Editor's note: This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)]