Man Attacked by Bear in Victor

On Monday, July 31, a Teton Valley man was attacked and injured by a female black bear with a cub when he opened the garage door of his home in the Henderson Canyon area near Victor. The injured man called Idaho Fish and Game to report the attack.

The Idaho Fish and Game and Teton County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene to asses the scene and search for the sow and her cub.The bears were found nearby the location of the attack. Authorities killed the pair in the interest of public safety. 

According to game officials, attacks like this one are uncommon. Teton Valley is home to both grizzlies and black bears, and it is important to be ‘Bear Aware’ in bear country.  

Tips to Avoid Bear Conflicts

Bears can cause problems when they’re attracted to food and garbage, especially from July to September. Whether you’re camping, fishing, or at home in bear country, you can prevent conflicts by being cautious.

Campers should keep their camps clean and store all food, garbage, and scented items in a vehicle or camper. If that’s not possible, hang them in a tree at least 10 to 15 feet off the ground and 100 yards from the campsite. Don’t cook in or near tents, and avoid leaving food scraps or greasy items lying around. Using bear-resistant food canisters is also a good idea.

Bear-proof Trash Containers

At home, use bear-resistant containers for garbage and remove bird feeders during summer to avoid attracting bears and other animals. Clean up fallen fruit and store pet food indoors. For horses and livestock, keep their grains in closed barns. Store barbeque grills in closed buildings too.

Remember, bears can become a nuisance if they associate humans with food. If a bear visits your campsite, make lots of noise to scare it away safely. And most importantly, always be mindful of bear behavior and take steps to prevent unwanted encounters.