ISLAND PARK, Idaho, Sept. 3, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — An Idaho archery hunter looking for elk Sunday morning was attacked by an adult male grizzly bear.
The man was with a friend, west of Henrys Lake in Island Park on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, when the attack occurred.
“During the surprise encounter, one of the hunters was knocked down and bitten by the bear,” says a news release issued by Idaho Fish and Game.
“Both men were able to utilize their sidearms to shoot the bear, deterring the attack and killing the bear.”
The hunters called 911, and the injured man “was transported by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.”
Fish and Game responded to the scene after coordinating with Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Emergency Medical Service teams. Conservation Officers conducted a thorough investigation and determined that the hunters acted in self-defense during a surprise encounter with the bear from a very close distance.
“I am extremely grateful that both of these individuals survived this encounter,” Fish and Game Regional Supervisor Matt Pieron said in the release. “I have had the opportunity to speak with the injured hunter and his family and they are truly wonderful people. I wish him a speedy recovery from his injuries and the trauma these two hunters experienced.”
Grizzly bears are protected under State and Federal law, and Fish and Game would like to remind hunters that grizzly bears may be encountered in north Idaho and the Greater Yellowstone areas.
Here are some safety tips for those hunting in grizzly country:
- Carry bear spray and keep it readily accessible.
- Hunt with partners and make each other aware of plans.
- Look for signs of grizzly bear, including fresh tracks. Let partners know if you do see signs.
- Retrieve meat as quickly as possible.
- Hang meat, food, and garbage at least 200 yards from camp and at least 10 feet off the ground.
- When not hunting, make noise, especially around creeks and thick vegetation. Most attacks occur by inadvertently surprising a bear at close range.
