Grizzly Bear or Brown Bear

Biologists from Idaho Fish and Game will begin annual research trapping efforts for grizzly bears in the Upper Snake Region on May 31. To avoid conflicts with hunters, current operations will be confined to areas where hunting is prohibited. Larger scale operations will begin July 1, in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest within the caldera in Island Park, west of Highway 20 along the Centennial Mountain Range, and in the Cave Falls and Teton areas near the Wyoming border.

A sow grizzly and her yearling cub were captured by Fish and Game staff Sunday, May 17, in the Yale Creek area of Island Park after the bears were seen getting into garbage.

Fresh grizzly bear tracks were confirmed by a Fish and Game conservation officer in the Fish Creek Meadows winter recreation area about 7 miles south of Grangeville on April 18, 2020. It is uncertain if the grizzly is still be in the area or has moved on.

VIDEO: Recreating in Bear Country with Jeremy Nicholson 

Fish and Game Commission awarded grant funding to the Western Bear Foundation to distribute free cans of bear spray in the Island Park area to recreationists who present a current, valid Idaho hunting and/or fishing license.

Grizzlies are not commonly seen in this area so hunters are asked to use increased vigilance after a radio-collared grizzly bear was spotted by a hunter on Thursday, June 13.