Grizzly bear research trapping begins in Caribou-Targhee National Forest
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The following is a news release and photo from Idaho Fish and Game.
As part of ongoing efforts to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem, biologists from Idaho Fish and Game will begin annual research trapping grizzly bears in the Upper Snake Region beginning in early July. Trapping will occur in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest within the caldera in Island Park, west of Highway 20 along the Centennial Mountain Range, and in the Cave Falls and Teton areas near the Wyoming border. Research trapping operations will conclude near the end of August.
Captured bears are immobilized and handled in accordance with strict protocols developed by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team. Bears that meet the criteria are fitted with a radio collar. By observing radio-collared females, biologists can document age of first reproduction, average litter size, cub and yearling survival, and how often females produce a litter. Data collected from both sexes provides the estimated survival among different sex and age classes, causes of mortality, and a better understanding of habitat use and food habits.
Whenever bear capture activities are being conducted for scientific purposes, the area around the site will be posted with bright warning signs to inform the public of the activities occurring. These signs are posted along the major access points and along the perimeter of the capture site. It is extremely important that the public heed these signs and do not venture into an area that has been posted.
Information about the grizzly bear research and monitoring is available from the IGBST website, the Idaho Fish and Game website.: Grizzly or by calling the Upper Snake Regional Office (208) 525-7290.