Idaho Fish and Game urge bear safety during surge of encounters
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – 2026 is looking to be a record year of bear encounters in southeast Idaho and western Wyoming, with Idaho Fish and Game receiving multiple calls each day regarding bear activity in the area. Officials say this is likely due to the dry weather conditions and low food sources this year, drawing bears into areas they normally avoid like neighborhoods and campsites.
Zach Lockyer, Regional Wildlife Manager for the Southeast Region of Idaho Fish and Game, said the early spring frost hit lots of the berry crop in Idaho, making it unavailable for animals like bears this fall. Bears are currently in hyperphagia, when they maximize all their calorie intake before hybernation.
"They're venturing further into odd places to find food because there's not as much forage for them on the hillside," Lockyer said. He added bears are easily habituated, and if they get one taste of human food or open garbage, they will return for more.
Idaho Fish and Game states human safety is their priority, and whether it means trapping and relocating a bear or euthanizing it, they will take the necessary steps for safety. Last week, a family of black bears broke into a home in Salmon, severely injuring two individuals. Lockyer says if bears are breaking into structures, it's driven by food.
"When people are in close proximity, the bear might be defending that food, or defending young that it's concerned about," he said. The Lemhi County Sheriff's Office confirmed there was a sow and two young bears involved in the Salmon bear attack. "A female with young is always going to be protective of the young, there's potential for an attack if she feels threatened."
Lockyer echoed sentiments of stories past, stating traveling in groups on the trails, making noise and protecting and closing all food sources are the best ways to stay viligant in bear country. He said to clean up after yourself and ensuring food isn't accessible.
"Secure food items inside hard sided structures so it's not available, clean that barbeque grill at home, getting rid of all attractants for a bear will go a long way," Lockyer said.
Idaho Fish and Game says it's extremely risky to feed bears on the trails or near residences. The animals will lose the fear factor with humans and become comfortable approaching for snacks. Two bears have already been euthanized this year in Grand Teton National Park because of their comfortability with humans.
"We want people to see them and enjoy them from a distance, they're good at taking care of themselves, so enjoy from a distance," Lockyer said. "They don't need your food."
This year will also prove interesting because of when the bears will go into hybernation. Some years, bears hybernate as early as November or December, but Fish and Game says it all depends on snowfall. With the lack of food, it's possible bears will roam a little later into the winter months this year.
