Living in the midst of Idaho's vibrant and diverse wildlife populations can be one of the most rewarding aspects of life in our state. At times, however, it can provide a unique set of challenges for home and property owners as well as outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. Whether it's a moose in your basement, beavers toppling your trees, or a family of skunks making a home beneath your garden shed, Idaho Fish and Game can provide some useful tips to living with Idaho's wildlife.
Living With Wildlife
Living with Idaho's wildlife provides some unique challenges, but it doesn't always have to be a contentious relationship.
Food conditioned black bear euthanized after repeatedly getting into residential garbage near Hailey
After repeated incidents of accessing unsecured residential garbage, a yearling black bear was euthanized north of Hailey on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The young male that weighed approximately 100 pounds had twice broken into a garage to find food and there were signs of the bear attempting to get into a house. Since the bear was showing increasingly aggressive behavior, the decision was made to trap and euthanize the bear to protect public safety.
Wandering black bear cub relocated from Hailey to eastern Idaho
Stories are often told about how far, and quickly, wildlife can travel. Some are almost too hard to believe. Fish and Game wildlife biologists in the Magic Valley Region now have another story to tell about the black bear cub that walked well over 120 miles in about 17 days.
Wood River Valley black bears are back in town and finding residential garbage
Idaho Fish and Game, Magic Valley Region continues to receive multiple reports of black bears visiting homes and neighborhoods throughout the Wood River Valley. Many of the reports are of black bears accessing residential garbage carts that have not been secured in a garage or locked storage area.
Bear spray training and giveaway offered to Idaho residents in the Wood River Valley
Three community trainings led by Fish and Game wildlife biologists are scheduled in July and August in the Wood River Valley. Each training will focus on black bear and mountain lion biology and behavior, with hands-on training using inert bear spray canisters. Each free event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and last approximately 1.5 hours, pre-registration is required by calling the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359. Up to 40 bear spray canisters will be given away at each event.
Black bears in the Wood River Valley find food reward from unsecured residential garbage cart
A black bear sow with two cubs has been getting access to unsecured residential garbage in the Greenhorn Gulch area in the Wood River Valley, causing concerns about them quickly becoming food conditioned. First reported on Saturday, June 15, a local homeowner reported many security camera alerts from bears hanging around his house.