On Aug. 4, Idaho Fish and Game in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service euthanized a large adult male grizzly bear in Boundary County near Porthill. The decision was made after a series of livestock losses due to grizzly bears this spring and summer. (Photo courtesy IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME)

On Aug. 4, Idaho Fish and Game in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service euthanized a large adult male grizzly bear in Boundary County near the town of Porthill.

There has been a series of livestock losses due to grizzly bears this spring and summer.

Fish and Game received a report on Aug. 2 of four sheep that had been attacked and killed and two additional sheep that had been injured near Porthill. Upon further investigation by Fish and Game Conservation Officers, it was confirmed the bear was a grizzly.

Traps to capture the bear were set on the evening of Aug. 2, and although the bear returned to the area, it did not enter the trap. The bear killed one additional sheep that evening, Aug. 3. The traps remained set and all additional livestock were corralled in a temporary electric fence to try and prevent additional livestock loss.

The bear once again returned overnight on Aug. 3 and was successfully trapped. Due to the bear’s repeated behaviors of killing livestock within close proximity of a home, the bear was euthanized after it was captured. The decision was made with consideration for the safety of people and property.

Grizzly bears in Idaho are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act, so any management action is done in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Bears learn behaviors quickly, especially related to gaining access to easy food sources. The series of grizzly bear and livestock encounters in North Idaho this spring and summer is a reminder of that.

In response to the incidents over the past few months, Fish and Game is reminding livestock owners and outdoor recreationists of a few important tips to promote safety for both people and livestock.

If you are recreating in bear country:

The positions exist to respond to grizzly bear-human conflicts, work with landowners to prevent future bear conflicts and provide bear education and outreach. Both positions are based out of Boundary County, and as part of their program, supplies and support can be provided to the public for grizzly bear-human conflicts.

Landowners can request assistance and a variety of educational materials for “living in bear country” by contacting the Panhandle Regional office at (208) 769-1414. We encourage the public to take advantage of the resources we have available to help. In addition, other cost-sharing programs through other entities exist for reducing human-bear conflicts.

T.J. Ross is a regional communications manager for the Idaho Department of Fish & Game.

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