Grizzly sow and cub in Island Park captured, relocated

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - Idaho Department of Fish and Game staff captured a sow grizzly and her yearling cub in the Yale Creek area of Island Park Sunday after the bears were seen getting into garbage.

Wildlife officials placed a trap to capture the two grizzlies after they had been reported in the area several times over the past week.

Both sow and cub were captured safely and in good condition, according to IDFG.

“These two bears were primarily seen at night and were in the early stages of becoming habituated to humans,” Bear Biologist Jeremy Nicholson said. “We think we have captured them soon enough to have prevented them from becoming food conditioned or accustomed to human food sources, making it possible for them to be relocated.”

After being captured, the grizzlies were sedated, tagged and the sow was fitted with a GPS collar. The bears were transported to the Horseshoe Lake area of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and released.

“Securing garbage and other bear attractants properly is important to prevent situations like this one from occurring,” Nicholson said. “Leaving your garbage out where bears can get into it puts humans at risk and often results in the death of the bear.”

Tips for living in bear country:

• Keep garbage in bear-resistant containers or in a secured building.
• Empty and remove bird feeders during the summer months when songbirds are able to forage on food provided by nature.
• Clean up fruit that has fallen in your yard. Rotting fruit will attract bears as well as raccoons and skunks.
• Feed pets inside or during daylight hours; don't leave pet food or food scraps outside of your home or camp, as it can attract bears and other animals.
• Store horse and livestock grains inside closed barns.
• Keep barbeque grills stored in secured buildings.

Tips around camp:

• Keep a clean camp. Pick up garbage and store it in a closed vehicle, bear- resistant container, or in a bag tied high between two trees. Never keep food in a tent.
• Don't cook near tents or sleeping areas, and never wear clothes you cook in to bed.
• Don't bury food scraps, pour out cooking grease, or leave anything that might be tasty on the ground or in the fire pit. Also, store barbecue grills or other smelly cooking gear inside your vehicle or within a sealed bear resistant container.
• Make game meat unavailable by hanging it at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from the nearest tree.
• If you see a bear, watch it from a distance and leave it alone.

To report a bear conflict in Island Park or surrounding area, call the Upper Snake Regional Office 208-525-7290.