Department Fish and Game biologists will begin trapping efforts in the Upper Snake Region from June 30 until the end of August. Trapping will primarily take place in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest within the caldera in Island Park, west of Highway 20 along the Centennial Mountain Range, and the Cave Falls area near the Wyoming border.
When trapping operations are being conducted, the area around the trap site will be marked with bright warning and closure signs. It is important that the public respect these signs and not enter posted areas.
Captured bears are sedated and handled in accordance with strict protocols developed by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team. Bears that meet our criteria are fitted with a radio collar.
By observing radio-collared females, we are able to document age of first reproduction, average litter size, cub and yearling survival, and how often females produces a litter. Data collected from both sexes allow us to estimate survival among different sex and age classes, causes of mortality, and gain a better understanding of habitat use and food habits.
For more information regarding grizzly bear trapping efforts or the role of Idaho Fish and Game in grizzly bear management, call 208-525-7290.