On August 21, 2024, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), relocated a 5-year-old female grizzly bear following confirmed cattle depredations in the Henry’s Lake area. The 257-pound grizzly was captured the night before and was found near an area where other bears had been present. Since this bear had no prior history of cattle depredation, the decision was made to relocate her instead of taking more severe measures.
The bear was immobilized, fitted with a radio collar, and relocated to a remote area within the Fish Creek drainage on Forest Service land, approximately 12 miles from the City of Island Park. Wildlife biologists use relocation as a tool to reduce conflicts between humans and bears, though options are limited due to Idaho’s small grizzly bear recovery zone. IDFG will continue to monitor the bear’s movements to ensure minimal future conflicts.
Grizzly bears are federally protected and are relocated following state and federal guidelines. This relocation highlights ongoing efforts to balance bear conservation and human activities.
