On Sunday, September 1, an archery hunter survived a grizzly bear attack while hunting elk near Divide Creek Road in Island Park, west of Henrys Lake. The hunter, accompanied by a friend, was attacked by an adult male grizzly bear during a surprise encounter in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
During the attack, the bear knocked down and bit one of the hunters. Both men were able to use their sidearms to defend themselves, ultimately killing the bear and stopping the attack. The injured hunter was able to call 911 and was airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Idaho Fish and Game, in coordination with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and Emergency Medical Services, responded to the scene. After a thorough investigation, Conservation Officers determined that the hunters acted in self-defense during the sudden close encounter with the bear.
Matt Pieron, Fish and Game Regional Supervisor, expressed relief that both hunters survived the incident and wished the injured individual a speedy recovery. Pieron also reminded hunters that grizzly bears are protected under state and federal law, and encounters with these animals are possible in north Idaho and the Greater Yellowstone areas.
To stay safe while hunting in grizzly country, hunters are advised to carry bear spray, hunt with partners, be aware of bear signs, retrieve meat quickly, and make noise when not hunting to avoid surprising a bear.
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