Bear country primers are set

SANDPOINT—The Idaho Conservation League is teaming up with Brian Johnson, Idaho Department of Fish and Game grizzly bear information and education conservation officer, and Brett Lyndaker, Idaho Panhandle National Forests wildlife biologist, for a series of events to teach local residents about recreating in bear country.

Events are scheduled for Tuesday, June 12, at the Beardmore Bistro Event Room, 119 Main St., Priest River. The final event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 26 at the Sandpoint Ranger Station, 1602 Ontario St., Sandpoint. All of the events will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Topics covered will include a brief overview of the status of local grizzly bear populations, identification of grizzly bears and black bears, techniques for avoiding conflicts with bears, and requirements for the storage of food and other attractants on national forest lands. The presentation will be followed by a practical session where participants will practice deploying inert bear spray.

The admission fee of $5 includes the presentation, instruction and inert bear spray. Participants can also purchase Counter Assault bear spray and Bear Vault food storage canisters at a discount.

Registration is required and space is limited. To register, please visit http://bit.ly/ICLevents or call 208-265-9565.