Bitterroot Survey Finds No Grizzlies - Yet

Preliminary results of an ongoing state and federal effort to monitor for grizzly bears in the northern Bitterroot ecosystem of Idaho and western Montana produced no photographic evidence of grizzly bears in the area. But test results on hair samples won't be available until next spring. The Bitterroot Subcommittee of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee initiated the survey after a black bear hunter mistakenly killed a grizzly bear in Kelly Creek in September 2007. The survey area included Kelly Creek, a large area of the Clearwater and St. Joe River drainages and adjacent areas along the Montana-Idaho state line. Sampling ran from July 7 to September 6. Automatic cameras were placed at 51 of 68 lure sites, collecting 408 photos of animals, including 84 black bears, five coyotes, 22 marten, seven wolves, one mountain lion, 177 deer, 33 elk, and 54 moose. The survey also will analyze DNA from 420 bear hair samples left on a single strand of barbed wire at each of the 68 lure sites, where scent lure was used to attract animals in remote, off-trail areas. Because the area surveyed is so large, the survey can document the presence of grizzly bears only if they are detected in photos or through DNA samples. But the survey cannot confirm absence of grizzly bears in the area. Recreationists are encouraged to report potential grizzly bear sightings in the Bitterroot Mountains by contacting their local U.S. Forest Service office; or Idaho Fish and Game; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks; or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 406-243-4903. Forms are available at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/grizz_report to report online. For information contact Chris Servheen, with the Fish and Wildlife Service at 406-243-4903 or Dave Cadwallader, with Idaho Fish and Game at 208-799-5010.