Biologists Trap Grizzlies for Research

ISLAND PARK - As part of ongoing efforts required under the Endangered Species Act to monitor the distribution of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) is working to inform the public that pre-baiting and scientific trapping operations are once again beginning in the Upper Snake Region. IDFG biologists make up Idaho's contribution to the larger Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) efforts. Trapping is beginning immediately and will continue until August 26, 2014. Trapping operations can include a variety of activities. Access points in all work areas will be marked with bright orange warning signs. It is critical that all members of the public heed these signs and not enter areas that are posted. Trapping operations will take place within the Island Park Caldera and the Centennial Mountains of Idaho. Monitoring of grizzly bear distribution and other activities are vital to ongoing recovery of grizzlies in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. Biologists use natural food sources such as fresh road-killed deer and elk to attract the bears. If it appears grizzly bears are in a baited area, snares or culvert traps will be used to capture them. Once trapped, the bears are sedated and studied in accordance with strict protocols developed by the IGBST. Whenever bear trapping activities are being conducted and for a period of three days afterwards, major access points to the trapping site will be marked with bright orange signs. If you see these signs, do not enter the area. For more information regarding grizzly bear trapping efforts or Idaho's role in grizzly bear management, call 208-525-7290.