Fish and Game sets second 'Bear Fair'

BONNERS FERRY — Many people are flocking to the Idaho Panhandle, which is also home to a large population of black and grizzly bears.  

To help them, and all residents, Idaho Fish and Game is inviting everyone to learn the basics of living safely in bear country at its second North Idah0 Bear Fair on Sept. 28 at the Boundary County Fairgrounds.  

If you live in North Idaho, you live in bear country, plain and simple. The region is home to both black and grizzly bears and living and recreating safely in their midst requires intentionality and specific training and skills. 

The “North Idaho Bear Fair” is being held at the Boundary County Fairgrounds from noon to 4 p.m. 

The event is free, and registration is not required. Free food will be provided for those who attend, and folks can enter to win free prizes. 

During the event, participants will: 

Receive bear spray training using inert bear spray canisters on Fish and Game’s remote-controlled charging grizzly bear. Participates 18 or older in the bear spray training will receive a free canister of bear spray while supplies last. 

Learn the basics of how to protect livestock, chicken coops, animals and beehives with electric fencing. 

Have the opportunity to use a large cider press to make fresh apple cider. Please bring your own apples and containers. Bears consume fruit and wander to orchards if fruit is left to waste.  

Learn about Fish and Game’s livestock carcass pick-up program. 

Learn about safely camping in bear country. 

North Idaho Bear Fair is a partnership among Fish and Game, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Services, Idaho Governor’s Office of Species Conservation, Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

For more information or questions, contact the Panhandle Regional office.