Grizzly mistakenly shot, killed by a hunter

PRIEST LAKE — Idaho Fish and Game officials said an out-of-state hunter shot and killed a male grizzly bear that he had mistaken for a black bear last week.

The bear was killed on June 8 north of Upper Priest Lake. After shooting the bear and identifying it as a grizzly, the hunter contacted Idaho Fish and Game and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation, officials said in a press release.

IDFG officials said the incident serves as an important reminder that grizzly bears can be found in game management units in the Panhandle, in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and grizzlies are known to occasionally visit portions of the Clearwater Region.

Grizzly bears are protected under state and federal law, and bear hunters are responsible for proper identification of their target, IDFG officials said.

All hunters are encouraged to review their bear identification skills to avoid mistaken identity. IDFG noted that size and color of the animal are not reliable indicators of species. Fish and game officials said it is best to look at multiple features in order to make the right call.

Grizzlies typically have short, rounded ears, a dished facial profile, a prominent shoulder hump and 2-inch to 4-inch long claws.

Hunters and others can learn more about bear identification skills and learn the difference between a defensive and predatory encounter by using Fish and Game's online resources.