Dangerous bear attacks two in Salmon neighborhood

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Authorities in Lemhi County are searching for a dangerous bear after two people were attacked while sitting on their front porch in Salmon's Sunset Heights neighborhood early Friday morning, Oct. 2.

The Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the pair was injured during the attack. As of Friday, authorities have not released the victims' names, the extent of their injuries, or whether they have been hospitalized.

According to a Facebook post by LCSO, Idaho Department of Fish and Game officers are tracking a sow and two cubs reported in the immediate area. A professional houndsman is assisting in the search. Deputies are advising residents that officers and tracking teams will be crossing property lines and fences during the operation, and urge all residents to keep pets secured indoors. A CodeRED alert has been issued for households in the surrounding area.

Urgent Safety Guidelines for Lemhi County

In a secondary post, LCSO strongly urged residents in the Sunset Heights and surrounding Salmon areas to secure their properties and eliminate anything that could attract a bear immediately:

Secure Food and Trash

• Lock up garbage: Keep trash cans inside a secure garage or shed, and only put them out on the morning of pickup.
• Clean outdoor grills: Scrub your barbecue grill and empty grease traps after every single use.
• Remove bird feeders: Take down bird feeders during active bear seasons, as seeds and nectar are high-calorie attractants.
• Eliminate outdoor pet food: Never leave pet food, stock feed, or water bowls outside your home.
• Manage fruit trees: Pick ripe fruit immediately and do not let rotting fruit pile up on the ground.

Block Entry Points

• Secure crawl spaces: Board up openings beneath your porch, deck, or house using thick plywood with no gaps that a bear can use for leverage.
• Keep windows and doors shut: Avoid cooking with ground-floor windows or doors open, and store scented products like sunscreen, bug spray, and toothpaste inside. Keep car doors locked so bears do not smell food inside vehicles.
• Use deterrent mats: Place commercial electric mats or DIY "unwelcome mats" (boards with evenly spaced protruding screws or nails) under vulnerable windows and near entry doors to make the ground uncomfortable.

If you see a bear or signs of bear activity, do not approach the animals. Immediately report any bear activity to 911 or contact the Lemhi County non-emergency dispatch line at 208-756-8980.