Deputies warn of increased black bear activity in Teton Valley. Here’s what you can do about it
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DRIGGS — Do you have unsecured garbage? If so, you may be responsible for black bears getting hold of human food in certain neighborhoods in Teton Valley.
According to a news release from the Teton County Sheriff’s Office, multiple bears have been seen entering homes, garbage, frequenting porches, pushing doors, climbing balconies and eating out of non-bear-resistant garbage cans.
This activity is becoming prevalent in the South Leigh Creek, Mountain Drive and Packsaddle neighborhoods.
Earlier this year in Fremont County, two bears were euthanized after becoming accustomed to human foods and finding them inside various properties.
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Because these bears are doing this so often, the TCSO and Idaho Fish and Game consider it a pressing public safety issue.
The release states that if you see a bear in any Teton Valley neighborhood, call the sheriff’s office immediately at (208) 776-8200.
The release recommends these steps to protect your household and keep bears away from human food:
- Use a bear‑resistant trash can and make sure it’s latched and stored properly.
- Do not tamper with latches, prop cans open, or overfill them. If you do not have a bear‑resistant can, or if you have more trash than will fit, keep all garbage secured inside a garage or building until the morning of pickup.
- Feed pets indoors.
- Do not store coolers, refrigerators or freezers outside.
- Remove bird feeders from April through mid‑November.
“Idaho Fish and Game has advised that this is primarily a black bear issue at the moment; however, this could quickly become a grizzly issue as well,” the release states.
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