Wayward Black Bear Returned Home

After a short visit to the city of trees and the Fort Boise area, an adult male black bear was transported back to the forest without incident. First reported to authorities during the August 22 morning commute, the bear was seen on a hillside east of Horizon Drive just after 7 a.m., with other sightings reported in the hour that followed. Ada County Deputies responded and maintained visual contact with the bear until Fish and Game officers arrived. "The Ada County deputies were instrumental in this operation, and we greatly appreciate their help," Fish and Game conservation educator Evin Oneale said. "With all the recreational activity that goes on in the Fort Boise area, it was critical to have the deputies there to keep people at a distance and monitor the bear's movements." Fish and Game officers developed a strategy for tranquilizing the bear, which cooperated by bedding down in heavy brush along the Cottonwood Trail, just off Mountain Cove Road. "The challenge there was to get a clear shot at the animal," Oneale said. Eventually, the bear was darted and shortly after, loaded for transport to the Pilot Peak area between Idaho City and Lowman. Released without incident, the bear now sports bright yellow and bright green ear tags. More to Come? This may not be the last black bear to visit town before winter hits. "Extended drought conditions have been tough on bears, and there's no reason to think this bear will be the last one wandering into town looking for food," Oneale said. "Homeowners living in more rural settings and those living on the doorstep of the Boise Foothills need to be particularly vigilant in securing potential bear attractants." Pet food, garbage and bird feeders are examples of attractants that might bring an unwanted wild visitor to people's property.