Livestock attacks 'most likely' by same bear

ELMIRA — A grizzly bear that attacked livestock in Elmira recently is "most likely" the same bear that mauled livestock in Boundary County this spring, Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials said.

If it is the same bear, once it is caught it will be euthanized, Jeremy Gaffield, Idaho Fish and Game conservation officer, said. This is due to the bear being habituated and multiple offenses of mauling livestock in the area, including in Boundary County this April.

IDFG offices have plans in place for the bear's capture, Gaffield said.

While IDFG officials said it is mostly likely the same bear, they will not know for sure until it is captured.

In the wake of the recent livestock attacks, Gaffield said IDFG is trying to get farmers and hobby farmers to understand the necessity of electric fences to keep out predators.

"Lock up your food and utilize electric fences for domestic livestock and animals," he added. "Animals go for the easy meal, make it hard with electric shock."

Neither the location in Good Grief, just south of the Canadian border, on June 24; nor the locations in Elmira on June 28-29 had electric fences, Gaffield said. Almost all incidents with bears and livestock is due to no electric fence and feed being left out.

“In response to the incidents, Fish and Game conservation officers and USDA Wildlife Services staff provided the landowners with electric fencing to secure remaining livestock and set multiple traps in an attempt to capture the bear,” IDFG officials said in a press release.

Gaffield said a bear will often hit a location and never return. Bear sightings, especially near homes and farms, should be reported to the IDFG Panhandle Region at 208-769-1414. Photos are appreciated as it helps IDFG officials to track, monitor and identify bears in the area, he added.

IDFG has electric fence equipment available on loan on a case-by-case basis. Property owners should contact Idaho Fish and Game for more information.

The IDFG is working to educate the public on how to contribute to effective bear management. Among tips provided on its website:

• Electric fences are the most effective deterrent for grizzly bears. If you have livestock, secure them overnight in a barn, or corral them in an electrified fence.

• Properly dispose of attractants, including trash, animal carcasses, compost, livestock feed and beehives.

• Securely store food, garbage and other attractants in a bear-resistant place.

• Keep pet food secured as you do your own. Bears like pet food as much as your pet does.

Information: IDFG Panhandle Region, 208-769-1414