IDFG reminds sportsmen and women to secure attractants in Unit 1 to prevent bear conflicts

A reminder that hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists on Idaho state endowment lands are required to securely store food, garbage, and other attractants to help prevent conflicts between the Panhandle Region's people and bears, including grizzly bears.

All overnight visitors (including lessees) on Idaho state endowment lands in Unit 1 must properly store food, garbage, and other attractants out of reach of bears. When possible, folks should use bear-resistant containers approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC). A list of approved products can be found on their website.

If bear-resistant containers are not available, people should store attractants:

• In a locked, hard-sided vehicle, camper, or trailer
• Hung at least 10 feet above ground and 4 feet from climbable objects
• Or inside a properly functioning IGBC-approved electric fence

Failure to follow these rules may result in citations and fines.

The IDL order is a proactive measure to help prevent future conflicts and encourage responsible recreation and help protect people and wildlife in an area popular for hunting, fishing, camping, calling, and boating on nearby Priest Lake. Fall activities can leave behind attractants that draw bears into areas frequented by people, including leftover fish remains, discarded game animal parts, and food scraps and garbage from campsites.

"Properly storing food, garbage, and harvested game is one of the simplest and most effective ways people can help prevent conflicts with bears," said Morgan Pfander, Panhandle Regional Wildlife Biologist. "We want folks to continue enjoying the incredible recreational opportunities in the Panhandle while doing their part to keep people safe and bears wild."

During fall, bears enter a period of increased feeding known as hyperphagia when they consume large amounts of food to build fat reserves for winter. Unsecured attractants can be especially appealing during this time and may bring bears into campsites, recreation areas, and other places where people spend time.

Whether at home or recreating, people in bear country are encouraged to follow bear-safe storage practices regardless of landownership. That means securing food, coolers, garbage, fish remains, harvested wildlife, and other potential attractants so bears cannot access them. Visitors should familiarize themselves with applicable food storage requirements before heading into the field and follow all rules for the lands they visit.

For more information about bear safety and recreation in bear country, visit Idaho Fish and Game's website or contact the Panhandle Regional Office at (208) 769-1414.

To learn more about recreating on IDL state endowment lands, please visit their website.