Black bears enter homes and garages in Teton County neighborhoods

TETON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) - Teton County authorities say multiple black bears are causing problems in Teton Valley neighborhoods after finding food in unsecured garbage.

The Teton County Sheriff's Office says bears have recently been getting into trash left in neighborhoods, including South Leigh Creek, Mountain Drive, and Packsaddle. Officials report the animals have been entering homes and garages, frequenting porches, pushing on doors and window screens, climbing balconies, and feeding from non-bear-resistant garbage cans.

The Sheriff's Office said it is working with Idaho Fish and Game and considers the situation a public safety concern.

Residents who see a bear in their neighborhood are urged to immediately contact the Teton County Sheriff's Office at (208) 776-8200.

To reduce bear encounters, officials recommend using bear-resistant trash containers, keeping garbage secured indoors until pickup day if bear-resistant cans are unavailable, feeding pets indoors, avoiding outdoor storage of coolers, refrigerators and freezers, and removing bird feeders from April through mid-November.

Wildlife officials say bears that find food on a property are likely to return several times. However, if food sources are removed, the animals will eventually move on.

According to Idaho Fish and Game, the current issue primarily involves black bears, but officials warn it could quickly attract grizzly bears as well.