Grizzly bear shot and killed by a hunter in Bonn County in North Idaho – Montana Outdoor

A young female grizzly bear was recently confused by a hunter in the Panhandle region with a black bear

On the evening of May 9th, a hunter shot and killed a young female grizzly bear, which he confused with a black bear. The bear was killed in Idahos Panhandle's priestrainage. After the hunter had identified the bear on site as a grizzly, he immediately reported on the citizens against the poaching hotline and cooperates full of Idaho Fish and Game in the ongoing investigations.

The incident is an important memory that grizzly bears can be found in parts of the regions of Panhandle and upper snakes and occasionally in other regions in Idaho. Grizzly bears are protected according to state and federal law, and bear hunters are responsible for the proper identification of their goal before shooting.

From January 1, 2025, everyone who hunts black bears in Idaho must pass an obligatory bear identification test to help hunters distinguish between black and grizzly bears. In addition to the obligatory test, all hunters are encouraged to regularly check their skills to identify bears in order to avoid incorrect identity. Fish and play have resources to help.

The size and color of bears are not reliable species indicators. It is best to look at several functions to make the right call. Grizzlies typically have short, rounded ears, a well -sized face profile, an outstanding shoulder hump and 2 to 4 inches long claws.

Fish and Game regrets the loss of this grizzly bear and estimates the self -reporting of the hunter and the continued cooperation in the investigation.

Please contact the Panhandle Regional Office at (208) 769-1414 if you have any questions.

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Photo: Pixabay

Source: Idaho Fish and Game

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grizzly bear