Idaho Fish and Game officials report a significant increase in bear activity across southeast Idaho and western Wyoming, prompting urgent safety warnings for residents. The agency anticipates 2026 will see a record number of human-bear interactions.
Zach Lockyer, Regional Wildlife Manager for the Southeast Region, attributes the surge to environmental factors including dry weather, early spring frost that damaged berry crops, and generally low food sources. Bears are currently in hyperphagia, a state where they maximize calorie intake before hibernation.
“They’re venturing further into odd places to find food because there’s not as much forage for them on the hillside,” Lockyer said.
The danger was highlighted last week when a family of black bears broke into a home in Salmon, severely injuring two individuals. The Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a sow and two young bears were involved in the attack.
Idaho Fish and Game prioritizes human safety, utilizing trapping, relocation, or euthanasia as necessary when bears become habituated to humans. Two bears were euthanized earlier this year in Grand Teton National Park due to their comfort around people.
Lockyer advised residents to secure food items inside hard-sided structures and remove all attractants. “Secure food items inside hard sided structures so it’s not available, clean that barbeque grill at home, getting rid of all attractants for a bear will go a long way,” he said.
Hibernation timing depends on snowfall. With limited food supplies, bears may roam later into winter than usual, extending the risk period beyond the typical November or December start dates.