MISSOULA, Mont. — Authorities have captured and relocated a grizzly bear after it killed a calf near Island Park, Idaho.
The 11-year-old male grizzly had previously been collared for research purposes and had no known history of conflict prior to this incident.
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After consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) relocated an adult male grizzly bear on August 13, 2024.
Wildlife Services set a trap for the animal after the death of a domestic calf near Highway 20 and the Buffalo River, presumed to have been killed by a grizzly bear. An 11-year-old male grizzly was captured the same evening while returning to the kill site. The bear was identified as a known animal that had previously been collared for research purposes and had no known history of conflict prior to this incident.
In collaboration with the USFWS and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, the grizzly bear was tranquilized, his body condition and health were assessed, he was fitted with a radio collar, and he was relocated to a remote area in the Fish Creek watershed on Forest Service lands, approximately 12 miles from the town of Island Park.
Grizzly bears are relocated in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. IDFG is required to notify the public of any grizzly bear relocation. Fish and Game Department staff will continue to monitor the bear’s movements and activities.
Although not always possible, relocation is a management tool that wildlife biologists use to minimize conflict between humans and grizzly bears. Relocation sites are selected by considering the bear’s age, sex, and type of conflict involved, as well as proximity to nearby human activities. Before relocation, IDFG consults with appropriate authorities to minimize the likelihood of future conflict and maximize the relocated grizzly bear’s chances of survival.
