Grizzly reported killing chickens in Boundary County

BONNERS FERRY — A grizzly bear has been reported getting into chicken coops and killing chickens in the North Bench area of Boundary County.

In a Facebook post Thursday evening, Boundary County Sheriff Travis Stolley said the bear has been reported near Juneberry and Holmes roads, just over 9 miles north of Bonners Ferry.

Four years ago, Idaho Fish and Game euthanized a large adult male grizzly near Porthill following a series of livestock losses the preceding spring and summer.

In those incidents, reported in spring and early summer 2022, a grizzly attacked and killed four sheep and injured two others in one attack and another sheep in a second.

The bear was later caught and ultimately euthanized because of its repeated behavior of killing livestock in close proximity to homes.

Grizzly bears in Idaho are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act, so any management action is done in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Stolley advised residents in the area to clean up any attractants and to make their properties as bear-resistant as possible.

Among tips offered by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game:

• Store garbage in bear-resistant containers or keep it in a hard-sided, locked building. If your community offers bear-proof dumpsters, use them.

• Remove bird feeders completely, or only use them when bears are hibernating (November-March). Birds have plenty of natural food sources in warmer months.

• Keep barbecue grills clean and stored inside if possible. Pet food, coolers and any scented items should not be left outside or on porches.

• Electric fencing is highly effective for deterring bears from chicken coops, beehives and livestock enclosures.

Landowners can request assistance and a variety of educational materials for “living in bear country” by contacting the Panhandle Regional Office at 208-769-1414.