Surprise Bear Encounter Leaves Technician with Minor Injuries

Late in the morning Monday, July 29, while collecting habitat data as part of a grizzly bear habitat research project, Brett Panting, a wildlife technician working for the Wildlife Conservation Society was bitten by a grizzly bear. The incident occurred on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near the Davis Lake Area of Big Bend Ridge, part of Island Park. After biting Panting the bear ran off, and other volunteers were able to transport him to Eastern Idaho Medical Center. He was treated for puncture wounds and lacerations and was being held for minor surgery and observation. Caribou-Targhee National Forest staff members are working with Idaho Fish and Game to determine on how to proceed with the situation and affected livestock permitees are being contacted. All of Island Park is habitat for black and grizzly bears, and anyone using the forest is encouraged to carry bear spray and to make noise while moving through dense vegetation. To learn more about all facets of grizzly bears visit www.igbconline.org.