Grizzly bears are present in Idaho, primarily in the mountainous, remote regions of the Northern Rockies. Their existence is a matter of conservation and public safety, stemming from decades of recovery efforts under federal protection. Understanding where these animals live and how they are managed is important for anyone who spends time in Idaho’s backcountry. Residents and visitors must be aware of their surroundings and prepared for potential encounters with this large carnivore.
The Presence and Geographical Range
Grizzly bears are concentrated in specific, federally designated recovery zones spanning Idaho’s northern and eastern borders, representing a fraction of their historical range. Grizzly bears in Idaho are currently associated with three primary recovery zones: the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), the Selkirk Mountains, and the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem.
The GYE extends into the southeastern corner of Idaho, including parts of Island Park and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Further north, the Selkirk Mountains and the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystems, located in the Idaho Panhandle, support small, isolated populations. The vast, remote Bitterroot Ecosystem in central Idaho is also a designated recovery area, though it does not yet have an established resident population. These bears are slowly expanding their range from established populations in Montana and Wyoming into Idaho’s rugged, protected landscapes.
Management and Recovery Efforts
The grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states, including Idaho, has been listed as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 1975. This status places recovery management responsibility on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), in coordination with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The goal of these coordinated efforts is to reach population and distribution targets that would allow the species to be removed from the ESA list.
Population numbers vary significantly, reflecting the isolated nature of the recovery zones. The GYE population has a management objective to maintain a high population level. In contrast, the Selkirk and Cabinet-Yaak populations are much smaller, struggling to meet recovery criteria. The long-term recovery plan focuses on maintaining these populations and promoting genetic connectivity between the separate ecosystems.
Identification and Coexisting Safely
Distinguishing a grizzly bear from the more common black bear is important, as both species can be various shades of brown. The most reliable physical characteristic of a grizzly bear is the prominent muscular hump located between its shoulders, which is absent on a black bear. Grizzly bears also possess a dish-shaped or concave facial profile, unlike the black bear’s straighter profile. A grizzly’s front claws are long and straight, built for digging, while a black bear’s claws are shorter and curved for climbing trees.
Coexisting Safely
To coexist safely, people recreating in bear country should follow several key guidelines. These measures prevent bears from associating humans with food rewards and reduce the chance of surprise encounters.
- Always carry bear spray, keep it immediately accessible, and know how to use it.
- Hikers should make noise, such as shouting or talking, to avoid surprising a bear, especially in dense brush or near running water.
- Properly store food and scented items in bear-resistant containers or by hanging them at least 10 feet off the ground.
- If a person encounters a grizzly bear, they should remain calm, speak softly to identify themselves as human, and slowly back away without running.
- If a grizzly charges and makes contact, the recommended defense is to play dead, lying flat on the stomach and protecting the neck, as most attacks are defensive.