CARIBOU-TARGHEE NATIONAL FOREST — The Idaho Fish and Game Department reported that an archery hunter shot and killed an adult male grizzly bear west of Henrys Lake in Island Park, Idaho on Sunday, Sept. 1.
According to Idaho Fish and Game, the man was hunting elk with a friend on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near the Divide Creek Road when the grizzly attacked him. Both men were surprised by the bear when it charged them from a close distance. The one hunter was knocked down and bitten by the bear. Both hunters were able to access their sidearms to shoot the bear.
The hunters were able to call 911 and the injured individual was transported by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Fish and Game press release.
“For the families and those involved, a bear attack is a traumatic event,” Idaho Department of Fish and Game Regional Communications Manager James Brower told Buckrail. “We wish both hunters the best and to recover from the injuries that they endured.”
Brower also told Buckrail that another animal’s carcass, which could have attracted the grizzly, was not found in the area.
“It was surprise attack,” Brower said. “Both hunters were being quiet while hunting elk in the mountains and they just happened to be in close proximity with a bear. When actively hunting, you are being stealth and this behavior is counterintuitive to preventing a bear attack. When not pursuing game, hunters should make a lot of noise when near streams and thick brush.”
Fish and Game responded to the scene after coordinating with Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Emergency Medical Service teams. Conservation Officers conducted a thorough investigation and determined that the hunters acted in self-defense during a surprise encounter with the bear from a very close distance.
Fish and Game reminds hunters that grizzly bears can be encountered in northern Idaho and throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Here are reminders when hunting in grizzly country:
- Carry bear spray and keep it readily accessible.
- Hunt with partners and make each other aware of plans.
- Look for grizzly bear signs, including fresh tracks, scratches on trees and any carcasses in the area.
- Retrieve meat as quickly as possible. If a carcass has to be left over night, hang it from a tree that can be easily seen from 200 yards away when approaching. Be sure to look for wildlife in the area when retrieving a carcass.
- Hang meat, food and garbage at least 200 yards from camp and at least 10 feet off the ground.
- When not hunting, make noise, especially around creeks and thick vegetation. Most attacks occur by inadvertently surprising a bear at close range.
