Black bears continue to move through the Wood River Valley in search of food

Sow and two cubs sighted in Hailey's Draper Wood River Preserve

On Wednesday, August 12, Idaho Fish and Game received a report from an individual walking on the boardwalk in Draper Wood River Preserve who encountered a bear. The individual reported a stare-down with the bear before it ran up a tree.

A separate report was later received of an agitated-looking sow with two cubs in the area. Fish and Game believe the bear involved in the first encounter was likely either the sow or one of the cubs.

Local authorities responded and placed caution tape around the area, which has since been removed. Signage is currently posted warning people of bear activity.

Multiple bear reports in West Ketchum

Over the past several weeks, Fish and Game has received multiple reports of bears moving through subdivisions in West Ketchum. Several residents reported bears attempting to knock over garbage containers to access food.

The area uses wildlife-resistant garbage containers, but bears are still finding ways to access unsecured garbage. In one report, a bear was able to squeeze a container and pop the lid open. Other reports involved bears getting into barbecue grills.

Bears that successfully find food in residential garbage or other easily accessible sources can quickly become food-conditioned. Once a bear begins associating homes and people with food, it can become increasingly difficult to keep the bear away from residential areas and creates a public safety risk for people and pets.

Residents should keep garbage and other attractants secured in a garage or locked shed. Even when using wildlife-resistant garbage containers, residents should not put them out until the morning of pickup.

Once food-conditioned, bears may begin defending food resources, increasing the potential for conflicts.