Grizzly bear attacks area livestock

ELMIRA — A grizzly bear that attacked livestock in Elmira recently is "most likely" the same bear that mauled livestock in Boundary County this spring, Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials said.

If it is the same bear, once it is caught it will be euthanized, Jeremy Gaffield, Idaho Fish and Game conservation officer, told the Bonners Ferry Herald. This is due to the bear being habituated and multiple offenses of mauling livestock in the area, including in Boundary County this April.

IDFG offices have plans in place for the bear's capture.

While IDFG officials believe it is mostly likely the same bear, they will not know until it is captured.

In the wake of the recent livestock attacks, Gaffield said IDFG is trying to get farmers and hobby farmers to understand the necessity of electric fences to keep out predators.

"Lock up your food and utilize electric fences for domestic livestock and animals," he added. "Animals go for the easy meal, make it hard with electric shock."

Neither the location in Good Grief, just south of the Canadian border, on June 24; nor the locations in Elmira on June 28-29 had electric fences, Gaffield said. Almost all incidents with bears and livestock is due to no electric fence and feed being left out.

“In response to the incidents, Fish and Game conservation officers and USDA Wildlife Services staff provided the landowners with electric fencing to secure remaining livestock and set multiple traps in an attempt to capture the bear,” IDFG officials said in a press release.

Gaffield said a bear will often hit a location and never return. Bear sightings, especially near homes and farms, should be reported to the IDFG Panhandle Region at 208-769-1414. Photos are appreciated as it helps IDFG officials to track, monitor and identify bears in the area, he added.

IDFG has electric fence equipment available on loan on a case-by-case basis. Property owners should contact Idaho Fish and Game for more information.

In March, Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a petition at the recommendation of the IDFG asking that grizzly bears be delisted from the Endangered Species Act for the state of Idaho. Montana and Wyoming have already filed similar petitions.

“The goal of ESA conservation is ‘to bring any endangered species or threatened species to the point at which the measures provided pursuant to [the ESA] are no longer necessary’ (16 U.S. Code § 1532),” the March 9 petition states.

“When conservation efforts accomplish this point, but the formal step of delisting does not occur, or worse yet, appears unachievable, we risk conservation tragedy through loss of community support. This risk is even larger when it involves species such as grizzly bears, whose successful conservation requires ongoing intensive management,” Little said in the petition.

The IDFG is working to educate the public on how to contribute to effective bear management. Among tips provided on its website:

• Electric fences are the most effective deterrent for grizzly bears. If you have livestock, secure them overnight in a barn, or corral them in an electrified fence.

• Properly dispose of attractants, including trash, animal carcasses, compost, livestock feed and beehives.

• Securely store food, garbage and other attractants in a bear-resistant place.

• Keep pet food secured as you do your own. Bears like pet food as much as your pet does.

• Avoid filling bird feeders until wintertime.

• Do not bury or throw garbage into the nearby woods.

• Make sure to clean your grills and keep them in a building, if possible.

• When in bear country, always carry bear spray and make sure you know how to use it, always travel in groups, keep a clean camp, and hang meat, food and garbage at least 200 yards from camp and at least 10 feet off the ground, the IDFG states.

Should you encounter a bear, the IDFG advises to:

• Never approach bears, always stay at least 300 feet away.

• Do not interrupt bear activities.

• Never feed bears.

• Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

• Never run if you encounter a bear.

The National Park Service urges that, in the case of a bear encounter, “if the bear is stationary, move away slowly and sideways; this allows you to keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping. Moving sideways is also non-threatening to bears. Do not drop your pack, as this may provide protection in the case of an attack.”

Additionally, the NPS warns to “stay calm and remember that most bears do not want to attack you; they usually just want to be left alone. Talk to the bear in low tones; this will help you stay calmer, and it won't be threatening to the bear. A scream or sudden movement may trigger an attack. Never imitate bear sounds or make a high-pitched squeal.”

Information: IDFG Panhandle Region, 208-769-1414