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 Idaho's wildlife provides some unique challenges, but it doesn't always have to be a contentious relationship.
Look, don't touch: Despite good intentions, 'rescuing' baby wildlife can lead to bad outcomes
Monday, April 22, 2024 - 11:57 AM MDTIn the spring when wildlife baby boom is at its peak, you may have the good fortune to observe a nest of birds or a litter of young mammals with no adult in sight. Enjoy the sight, but remember it is best to leave young wildlife alone.
Mountain lion sightings reported in Twin Falls neighborhoods
Thursday, March 28, 2024 - 3:05 PM MDTOver the last week, residents of Twin Falls have reported sightings of a mountain lion within city limits. Initial reports were in neighborhoods around Carriage Lane and Addison Ave. and more recently in the neighborhoods around Cascade Park and Stadium Drive. There have been no reports of attacks on people or pets. While observations and sightings have been reported, no direct evidence has been found and none of the recent reports have been confirmed.
Reports of yew continue despite ordinances that prohibit the plant in many parts of Blaine county
Monday, February 26, 2024 - 1:48 PM MSTSeveral plant species are toxic to wildlife and pets, especially those in the yew family.
Residents should inspect the landscaping around their homes and remove all yew plants to keep wildlife and pets safe, especially during winter months when wildlife moves down into historic winter range, now occupied by community neighborhoods and private residences.
F&G continues to receive multiple reports of two sub-adult mountain lions frequenting Ketchum neighborhoods
Friday, February 9, 2024 - 3:32 PM MSTResidents in Ketchum are reporting two mountain lions frequenting their yards or seeing them on their security cameras. From video observations, biologists are calling them sub-adults, approximately 1.5 - 2 years of age and would assume they are siblings. Most of these reports about lion locations are in west and north Ketchum.
Mountain lion activity increases in the Wood River Valley with attacks on domestic livestock and pets
Monday, January 22, 2024 - 12:39 PM MSTOver the past several weeks Fish and Game has continued to receive reports about mountain lions frequenting populated neighborhoods throughout the Wood River Valley. Many of the reports are in areas of dense residential development, some within city limits.
Non-fatal mountain lion attacks on dogs have occurred in East Fork with fatal attacks on domestic livestock and a pet cat in Hailey.
Over the past several weeks Fish and Game has continued to receive reports about mountain lions frequenting populated neighborhoods throughout the
Feeding backyard deer and elk does more harm than good
Friday, December 22, 2023 - 11:43 AM MSTIf you wish to help wintering wildlife this year, rather than feeding, take out your binoculars and observe them from a distance. Appreciate the fact that you live in a place that provides deer and elk a suitable habitat during certain parts of the year. You will do more good for the deer and elk by not feeding them.
Residents urged to inspect their properties for objects that may entangle wildlife
Thursday, November 16, 2023 - 1:55 PM MSTNo matter the year, wildlife, especially elk, deer and moose can become entangled in items left around homes and farmyards around Idaho. These entanglements tend to happen more frequently during the winter months but can happen anytime when wildlife is attracted to neighborhood yards and farms. As the calendar moves quickly towards the winter months this is a great time for Idaho residents to inspect their properties for items that could entangle wildlife. If potential entanglement items are found, we ask property owners to remove and securely