IDFG begins annual grizzly bear research trapping

As part of ongoing efforts to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, biologists from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game will begin their annual research trapping of grizzly bears in the Upper Snake Region this May. 

IDFG officials said that trapping will occur on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest within the caldera in Island Park, along the Centennial Mountain Range, and in the Cave Falls/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 United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, IDFG officials said in a press release.

Bears that meet the study criteria are fitted with a radio collar for monitoring. By observing radio-collared females, biologists can document the age of first reproduction, average litter size, cub and yearling survival, and how often females produce a litter, officials said. 

Data collected from both sexes provides the estimated survival rate, age structure, 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 the capture site's perimeter. It is extremely important for their own safety that the public heed these signs and not venture into posted areas.