Black bears active in Teton Valley

After a flurry of black bear activity in Teton Valley, the Idaho Fish and Game Department is encouraging people to be cautious. Spokesman Gregg Losinski says Fish and Game personnel trapped a black bear that had begun getting into things at the BYU-Idaho Outdoor Learning Center last week. At the same time, another black bear was getting into human living space in Tetonia. In one case a bear broke into a home’s basement window. Losinski said the bear apparently went inside the house but was frightened away before causing much more damage. Department Bear Educator Kyle Garrett has been going door-to-door to remind people how to discourage bears. At one house, the occupants were not home, but he noticed a bear had already paid a visit to the house. (see picture) People in bear country are reminded to carefully clean their living area and make sure things like garbage, dog food, bird feeders, barbecues, ice chests, and anything else that might attract a bear are kept out of their reach. Losinski explained the recent bear activity is probably due to the fact that there are more black bears in the region than there have been in recent years. You can find more information tips about being making your living area safe from bears here.