Trapping, relocating bear near Salmon a challenge, officials say

SALMON — Idaho Fish and Game is “very aware” that a bear has been frequenting several locations within Salmon city limits. Getting rid of it, officials say, has been challenging.

“Multiple live traps have been placed in attempts to capture the bear, mainly along Jessie Creek on the Bar Hill,” Idaho Fish and Game stated in a news release.

Several cameras have also been placed around town, as well, to monitor locations frequented by the bear. The public has helpfully reported sightings.

“Locating and trapping the very secretive animal amongst all the houses, people and livestock pens has proven to be challenging,” officials admitted.

People trying to get a better look at the bear have further complicated matters.

“Capture efforts have been hindered by those attempting to view or get photographs of the bear,” officials said.

The public should stay away from the areas where live traps are set. Human activity reduces the likelihood of capturing the bear and puts lives at risk.

“Do not attempt to pursue, follow or approach the bear,” officials advised. “If you have pets, please restrain them and leave the area. This will not only ensure your safety, but it will improve the authorities’ ability to respond and relocate the bear.”

Efforts to capture and remove the elusive bear will continue as officials consider public safety in their attempts, according to the news release.

How can homeowners avoid attracting black bears?

“If a bear doesn’t find anything to eat, it will likely move on,” officials stated .

Human-related sources of food like bird feeders, fruit trees, pet food and — of course — garbage cans and dumpsters, are “candy for bears.” Fish and Game offers these tips:

Remove bird feeders between April and mid-November when birds can forage on their own. Feed pets inside or during daylight hours; don’t leave pet food or food scraps outside of your home. Place trash cans out the morning of your pickup day, not the night before. Do not keep coolers, refrigerators, or freezers outside. Remove any fruit from the ground. Rotting fruit will attract bears as well as raccoons and skunks. Keep barbeque grills and any livestock grains stored in closed buildings.

Why are bears in town?

“As fall conditions reduce food sources in the upper elevations, bears often follow the chokecherry crops in the creek bottoms down to lower elevations,” Fish and Game explains. Jessie Creek, which runs into town, has a “robust crop of chokecherries,” so bears follow it to town and then find other readily available food sources.

Once that happens, conflicts between bears and humans are likely.

Taking simple preventive measures and “using good, old-fashioned common sense” will help minimize bear conflicts.

“Often, if Fish and Game knows of the problem early, staff can provide information to homeowners to make their property less attractive to bears and make non-lethal interventions by Fish and Game staff more effective,” according to the release.

If you see a bear within city limits, please notify Fish and Game’s Salmon office at (208) 756-2271 immediately. If it is after hours or on weekends, reports can be made to Lemhi County Dispatch at (208) 756-4201.