Grizzly spotted in Cd'A National Forest
A grizzly bear is pictured in a field in this Idaho Department of Fish and Game photo. In 2022, IDFG officials reported an increased amount of human and grizzly encounters in the Panhandle region. (Photo courtesy IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME)
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game confirmed a grizzly bear sighting in the Coeur d'Alene National Forest.
A hunter reported seeing the bear Monday in the Skookum Saddle area of the Coeur d'Alene National Forest, about an hour and a half outside town. Based on trail camera photos, wildlife officials said Wednesday the bear appeared to be an adult in good health.
Most grizzly bears reside in Boundary and Bonner counties, but they can be found throughout the Panhandle, making the Kootenai County sighting unusual but not unheard of.
"As grizzly bear populations in Idaho and the surrounding areas continue to grow, they venture into new areas," said T.J. Ross, Fish and Game regional communications manager for the Panhandle region. "This is especially true of young male grizzly bears."
There is no estimate for grizzly bears in the Coeur d'Alene area because it's not part of an official recovery area.
The latest minimum population number for the Cabinet-Yaak Grizzly Bear Recovery Area, which spans about 2,600 square miles in northwestern Montana and northeast Idaho, is about 50 bears.
A minimum of about 70 bears live in the U.S. part of the Selkirk Mountain Grizzly Bear Recovery Area, which includes about 6,700 square miles in North Idaho, northeast Washington and southeast British Columbia.
Wildlife officials discourage people from looking for the bear. With the deer and elk any-weapon season openers starting Oct. 10, authorities encourage hunters to be "bear aware."
"In fact, we encourage folks hunting throughout all counties in the Panhandle to be bear aware and remember that grizzly bears can be found anywhere in the Panhandle," Ross said.
Simple actions such as giving bears space, securing food and knowing what to do before entering bear country can keep people safe, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Core safety reminders in bear country include staying alert and avoiding headphones on trails. Hike in groups when possible. Carry bear spray where recommended and allowed. Make noise near streams, dense vegetation and blind corners. Never approach a bear and never run from one.
To brush up on bear awareness skills, Ross said community members can attend the free North Idaho Bear Fair, set for noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Boundary County Fairgrounds in Bonners Ferry.