Sheep hunter survives bear attack

A Boise man is recovering from his wounds after a black bear attack at his camp along the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in central Idaho’s the Frank Church River-of-no-Return Wilderness.

Stephen Vouch and two companions were hunting bighorn sheep in hunt unit 27 when the attack occurred in the early morning hours of October 2.

According to Vouch, he awoke about 2:00 am to the sensation of something tugging on his hair and quickly realized that he was being bitten by a bear. He yelled, alerting the other members of his party, one of which shot the bear at close range with a .45 caliber handgun. The wounded bear backed away then climbed a nearby tree. After collecting himself, Vouch shot and killed the wounded bear. He was given first aid and he and the other members of his group rafted downriver then flew out of the wilderness area on Sunday, October 4.

On Monday, Vouch was treated and released from St. Luke’s Clinic—Family Medicine for lacerations to the top and side of his head. The bear hide and skull were handed off to Fish and Game staff. The young adult male black bear appeared healthy.

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Information provided by Idaho Department of Fish and Game.