ISLAND PARK – As part of ongoing efforts required under the Endangered Species Act to monitor the distribution of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) is working to inform the public that pre-baiting and scientific trapping operations are once again beginning in the Upper Snake Region.

IDFG biologists make up Idaho’s contribution to the larger Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) efforts. Trapping is beginning immediately and will run until the proper number, and sex of bears have been reached. Trapping operations can include a variety of activities, but all areas where work is being conducted will have major access points marked with bright orange warning signs. It is critical that all members of the public heed these signs and not enter areas that are posted. Trapping operations will take place in the western portion of the Centennial Mountains that form the border between Idaho and Montana.

Grizzly Trap Warning Sign
Grizzly Trap Warning Sign

Monitoring of grizzly bear distribution and other activities are vital to the ongoing recovery of grizzlies in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. In order to attract bears, biologists utilize natural food sources such as fresh road–killed deer and elk. Potential trapping sites are baited with these natural foods, and if indications are that grizzly bears are in the area, snares or culvert traps will be used to capture the bears. Once trapped, the bears are sedated and studied in accordance with strict protocols developed by the IGBST.

Whenever bear trapping activities are being conducted and for a period of three days afterwards, the area around the site will be posted with bright orange warning signs to inform the public of the activities occurring. These signs are posted along the major access points to the trapping site. It is important that the public heed these signs and not enter an area that has been posted.

For more information regarding grizzly bear trapping efforts or Idaho’s role in grizzly bear management, call 208-525-7290.

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