Upper Snake Region's bears are bustling

Status area

IDAHO FALLS - Warmer temperatures in the Upper Snake Region have not only caused humans to get out and shake off their cabin fever, but bears are as well. Both black and grizzly bears are coming out of hibernation. While most bruins’ activity has been limited to the forests, some bears have been spotted poking around human dwellings during the last week. Everyone in the Upper Snake Region is reminded that they live in bear country and need to act accordingly, say Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) wildlife managers.

Once upon a time, both black and grizzly bears could be found across the Upper Snake Region. Today, black bears are still common in many locations. Their cousins the grizzlies, are making their way back to many places that their ancestors once inhabited in the not too distant past.

Black bear hunters are aware of the recent emergence of the bears and have been pursuing bears since the general season opened on April 15. Generally the males of both species emerge first, so most of the bears being hunted are males. In Idaho, it is legal to take a female bear as long as no cubs are present. It is important to take the time to watch for cubs and make sure the bear is a black bear and not a grizzly. Every year hunters in the Yellowstone Ecosystem kill grizzly bears that they mistake for black bears. Grizzly bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem have been returned to the Endangered Species List, so there is no hunting season for them.

In addition to hunters being careful, recreationalists heading out for a spring picnic or hike need to review what they need to do to be safe in bear country. According to IDFG Regional Conservation Educator Gregg Losinski, “While carrying a firearm may seem like the best precaution, common sense and bear spray are a better combination for keeping both humans and bears unharmed.”

Persons camping or living in areas in or near bear country need to remember their actions could not only open themselves up for injury, but could lead a bear down the path to getting into trouble around humans and requiring it to be put down. According to Losinski, “We’ve already had our first verified visit this week by a grizzly bear in the Island Park Area to snack on birdseed at a home. It is very likely that we will have to deal with that bear later because of what it has already learned about human-related food sources.”

To learn more about all facets of living safely in bear country visit www.igbconline.org. IDFG will host a free seminar “Safety in Bear Country” at the regional office in Idaho Falls at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 26. Participants will be provided a variety of useful information and the opportunity to try out bear safety related items. Contact 208-525-7290 for more information about the workshop or bear related topics.

This is part of the online edition of Henry's Fork Country.

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