Black bears continue to move through the Wood River Valley in search of food

Idaho Fish and Game continues to receive reports of black bears around homes, neighborhoods, and public areas across the Wood River Valley. Many of the recent reports involve bears finding easy sources of food, including residential garbage containers and barbecue grills. 

Bears are currently in an intense state of feeding, known as hyperphagia, where they consume large amounts of food to build fat reserves before winter. During this time, bears can consume upwards of 20,000 calories a day, making unsecured food sources especially attractive. 

Because the Wood River Valley is located within a wildlife-urban interface, residents may also encounter bears while hiking local trails, visiting parks, or spending time outdoors. However, bears repeatedly finding food around homes and public areas can quickly become a concern when they start associating people with an easy meal. 

To keep bears from being habituated to urban interfaces, it is everyone's responsibility to keep all attractants like human sources of food, bird seed, pet food, or ripe and fallen fruit secured and picked up out of reach of bears. 

Sow and two cubs sighted in Hailey’s Draper Wood River Preserve  

On Wednesday, August 12, Idaho Fish and Game received a report from an individual walking on the boardwalk in Draper Wood River Preserve who encountered a bear. The individual reported a stare-down with the bear before it ran up a tree. 

A separate report was later received of an agitated-looking sow with two cubs in the area. Fish and Game believe the bear involved in the first encounter was likely either the sow or one of the cubs. 

Local authorities responded and placed caution tape around the area, which has since been removed. Signage is currently posted warning people of bear activity. 

Multiple bear reports in West Ketchum  

Over the past several weeks, Fish and Game has received multiple reports of bears moving through subdivisions in West Ketchum. Several residents reported bears attempting to knock over garbage containers to access food. 

The area uses wildlife-resistant garbage containers, but bears are still finding ways to access unsecured garbage. In one report, a bear was able to squeeze a container and pop the lid open. Other reports involved bears getting into barbecue grills. 

Bears that successfully find food in residential garbage or other easily accessible sources can quickly become food-conditioned. Once a bear begins associating homes and people with food, it can become increasingly difficult to keep the bear away from residential areas and creates a public safety risk for people and pets. 

Residents should keep garbage and other attractants secured in a garage or locked shed. Even when using wildlife-resistant garbage containers, residents should not put them out until the morning of pickup. 

Once food-conditioned, bears may begin defending food resources, increasing the potential for conflicts. 

Report urban bears  

Biologists are urging residents to report any bear activity around homes and neighborhoods, especially if a bear is getting access to food rewards.  

Early reporting can allow Fish and Game to work with residents to proactively haze bears away from homes, reducing the chances of a bear becoming food conditioned.  

Recreating in bear country 

Residents spending time outdoors in the Wood River Valley should be aware that bears may be active along local trails and in other areas where people recreate.  

If you encounter a bear:  

• Give the bear plenty of space and do not block the bear’s escape route.
• Make yourself appear larger and use a firm voice.
• Make noise while hiking or running to avoid a surprise encounter.
• Stay alert and avoid wearing earbuds so you can hear what is happening around you.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
• Keep dogs on leash at all times.  

Reports of bears in or around residential areas can be made to the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359. If a bear is displaying aggressive or threatening behavior, call 911 to report it to your local county sheriff.