Fremont County locates and euthanizes problem black bear
Published at | Updated at
UPDATE
The bear was located and euthanized after it continued exhibiting dangerous, food-conditioned behavior that posed an ongoing threat to public safety.
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to the residents of Robinson Creek, Potpourri, and Shadow Ridge for their cooperation, timely reporting, and vigilance throughout this incident. We also thank the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for their partnership and expertise in resolving this situation.
ORIGINAL STORY:
ST. ANTHONY — After reports of a black bear breaking into homes in Fremont County, the Sheriff’s Office is warning locals to be bear-aware.
According to a news release from the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, a black bear has recently been breaking into structures and occupied homes in the Robinson Creek area, including the Potpourri and Shadow Ridge neighborhoods.
“Over the past week — and likely for a longer period — the bear has successfully obtained food from inside multiple residences,” says the release. “Each successful food reward reinforces this dangerous behavior and significantly increases the likelihood that the bear will continue seeking food by entering homes, garages, cabins, and other structures.”
The Sheriff’s Office says they are working closely with Idaho Fish and Game and considers this “an exigent public safety issue.”
“Immediate action and heightened awareness are essential for everyone living in or visiting the affected neighborhoods,” says the release.
The Sheriff’s office asks that if you see the bear, do not wait to report it to law enforcement.
If you are in the Robinson Creek, Potpourri, or Shadow Ridge areas and observe this bear, call the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office 911 Center.
Do not:
- Attempt to scare, feed, or approach the bear.
- Follow or track the animal.
- Assume someone else has already reported it.
“Prompt reporting provides responding deputies and Idaho Fish and Game officers the best opportunity to protect the public and safely respond to the situation,” says the release.
The sheriff’s office also asks that all residents in the area take the following precautions immediately:
- Secure all garbage inside a building or bear-resistant container.
- Remove pet food and bird feeders from outside.
- Keep garage doors and windows closed whenever possible.
- Lock doors to homes, cabins, and outbuildings.
- Clean outdoor grills after each use.
- Never intentionally feed wildlife.
A bear that repeatedly receives food from human sources quickly loses its natural fear of people, creating an increasingly dangerous situation for residents, visitors, and first responders, according to the release.
“The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the public’s cooperation and vigilance as we work with Idaho Fish and Game to resolve this matter as safely and quickly as possible,” says the sheriff’s office.