Two Salmon residents attacked by a juvenile black bear on Oct. 2
Around 3:30 a.m., the victims reported one of the juvenile bears tried to enter the back door of their home. They tackled and wrestled the bear as it tried to gain entry.
Idaho Fish and Game and the Lemhi County Sheriff's Office responded around 4:30 a.m. and mobilized the Fish and Game Wildlife Human Attack Response Team to investigate and secure the scene. The bears were no longer at the residence when officials arrived at approximately 6 a.m. A houndsman was used to track the bears, and the sow was found dead, having been shot by the victims' neighbor shortly after the attack. The juveniles were trapped early the next morning and euthanized.
Both residents were injured, and one was flown by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls for treatment.
“The safety of the area’s residents remains our top priority,” says Fish and Game Regional Wildlife Manager Dennis Newman. “Fish and Game would like to express our condolences to the individuals attacked, and we wish them a quick and complete recovery.”
Fish and Game was first notified of bears in the area on Thursday, Oct. 1 — the day before the attack. A neighboring homeowner reported that a black bear with cubs was eating chickens where the attack later occurred. Fish and Game was not contacted by the owners of the chickens and did not have permission to access their property, therefore, three bear traps were deployed near the chicken coop on the adjacent homeowner’s property.
Fish and Game notified the owner of the chickens that traps were set nearby and requested that any other potential attractants be removed from the area.
The investigation revealed the bears had been feeding for several days on a substantial accumulation of unsecured household garbage outside the residence in addition to the chickens. This is an unfortunate incident where food-conditioned bears resulted in significant human injuries and a public safety threat to the community. The attractants at the residence have since been removed by the homeowners.
Fish and Game would like to remind residents to secure attractants such as leftovers, garbage, and pet food.
“Even barbecues and smokers will attract bears if left uncleaned and outside,” says Newman. “Bears that obtain human food can quickly become habituated, increasing the likelihood of property damage and dangerous encounters.” Idaho law allows for the killing of wildlife to protect yourself, others, or pets and livestock from imminent harm.
IDFG urges residents to promptly report bear activity around homes and neighborhoods to their local Fish and Game office. Early reporting can allow wildlife staff to work with residents to deter bears and reduce their chances of becoming food conditioned. Idaho is bear country and drought and food scarcity is driving bears closer to people as they pack on calories for winter hibernation.
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