IDAHO — A hiker was injured by a bear north of Tetonia, Idaho, on Tuesday, in another incident that serves to remind recreationists to be aware of surroundings and make plenty of noise while in the backcountry at this time of year.
The adult male hiker was traveling alone on Tuesday, Sept. 30, on the south rim of Squirrel Creek in southern Fremont County, just west of the Wyoming border, per a press release from Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG).
“A bear charged at him through the thick timber from a short distance away,” IDFG said in a statement. “The bear bit the man as it ran past him and continued on into the forest.”
Despite the injury, the hiker was able to hike out unassisted to seek medical attention.
IDFG has posted signs in the area warning of bear activity, and said that the bear’s behavior was likely a defensive move caused by the surprise encounter. No further actions regarding the incident are planned at this time.
In an unrelated episode, an adult grizzly and two cubs were relocated by Wyoming Game and Fish from Dubois to the Grassy Lake drainage south of Yellowstone National Park on Saturday, Sept. 27. Though the location of those bears is unknown, and there is no reason to believe they were involved in the attack on the hiker, the Grassy Lake Reservoir is about 15 to 20 miles away from Squirrel Creek in Idaho. These occurrences serve as a reminder to be aware while recreating in bear country, especially during the fall.
