Four bears euthanized in Idaho's Teton County, says IDFG

TETON COUNTY — Idaho Fish and Game announced on Thursday that four food-conditioned black bears had to be euthanized in Idaho's Teton County.

Fish and Game officers responded to reports on Nov. 4 of a black bear sow and three cubs that had been frequenting a Teton County neighborhood for roughly a month. IDFG reports that the bears "repeatedly received food rewards from unsecured garbage and other attractants."

Due to the accessibility to food and how much time the bears were spending in residential yards, there was a decision made by IDFG to euthanize the bears for public safety. 

"Relocating bears that have become extremely habituated and food-conditioned is not an option, as research shows they can quickly travel long distances to seek out human foods in their new locations," a news release said. 

IDFG elaborates in the news release, stating that because the bears had been frequenting residential areas for over a month, hazing or relocation efforts became "impractical."

Teton County is notably bear country, and bears become more active in the fall, said IDFG, as the animals are trying to gain weight ahead of winter. That often drives bears to easy food sources, like garbage and other attractants. 

Idaho Fish and Game asks residents of Teton County and other bear country areas in Idaho to store their garbage and other food-like items properly.