Grizzly Bears Don't Read Maps Very Well

IDAHO FALLS - When it comes to the use of navigational tools such as maps and compasses bears like all other animals do a pretty poor job. Animals may have an innate sense of direction, but when it comes to sticking to boundaries on maps decided upon by humans, it never fails that animals will go where they want to go. For this reason, biologists from Wyoming Game & Fish will be working in Idaho on portions of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest that are adjacent to the state line during the next month. Trapping efforts will focus on bears that are already present in Idaho and no relocating of bears will occur. Similar efforts are underway in Wyoming and Montana as part of the larger Yellowstone Ecosystem monitoring program. Their goal will be to trap, radio collar and release as many grizzly bears as possible. According to Lauri Hanauska-Brown, the IDFG Non-Game Biologist who spends part of her time working with grizzly bears, " The objectives of the research are to identify where bears are spending their time in the ecosystem and to facilitate counts of females with cubs." According to Hanauska-Brown, "One of the main population estimators for grizzlies in the Yellowstone Ecosystem is the number and distribution of females with cubs." While grizzly bears are the target species, it is highly likely that black bears will also be trapped. They too will be marked for study purposes and then released. Traps will include both leg snares and culverts. Road killed deer, elk, etc. will be used as bait. No human food' will be used as bait to avoid food conditioning' of grizzly or black bears. All trapping sites will be heavily signed to warn hikers, hunters, etc. of the trapping activities. Because of the scope of the activities the USFS has authorized trapping behind closed gates, if it is needed. Persons recreating on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in mid-July and all of August should pay attention to any signs they encounter relating to bears or bear management activities. Information regarding grizzly bear management and black bear management in Idaho can be obtained by contacting the IDFG headquarters in Idaho Falls by calling 208-525-7290.