Bear runs off after being hit by vehicle on Highway 20 in Island Park
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ISLAND PARK — A black bear apparently escaped serious injury after being struck by a vehicle on U.S. Highway 20 in Island Park on Tuesday.
The collision happened in front of Elk Creek Station. Fremont County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Idaho Department of Fish and Game personnel responded.
Fremont County Chief Deputy Cody Gunderson said bear hair was found stuck in the grille of the vehicle, but there was no sign of the animal when authorities arrived. Officials searched for it on foot and with drones but couldn’t locate it.
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The bear’s ability to run from the area was an encouraging sign that it had not suffered serious injuries.
“It must’ve been OK and got out of the area,” Gunderson said.
James Brower, Idaho Fish and Game Upper Snake regional communications manager, said a few people passing through at the time of the crash captured video of the bear after the collision, but the footage was not very clear.
“From what I could tell, I believe it was a full-grown black bear,” Brower said.
No one was hurt in the collision.
Fish and Game officials say bears may be more visible around populated areas this time of year, particularly during severe drought conditions. Drought can limit natural food sources such as berries, nuts, roots and other vegetation, which make up a large part of an Idaho black bear’s diet.
Bear activity has also recently been reported in neighboring Teton County. According to the Teton County Sheriff’s Office, multiple bears have been entering homes and garbage, frequenting porches, pushing on doors, climbing balconies and eating from garbage cans that are not bear-resistant.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to secure garbage and other potential food sources and give bears plenty of space if they encounter one.