IDAHO – A hunter shot and killed a grizzly bear after Idaho Fish and Game officials mistakenly identified it as a black bear.
According to the Idaho Fish and Game Department (IFG), the incident occurred on June 10 in unit 6 of Idaho’s Panhandle.
Two days before the shooting, the hunter had sent Idaho Fish and Game a video of a bear at a bait site approximately five miles northeast of St. Maries. Concerned that it might be a grizzly, the hunter sent the video from Fish and Game to confirm.
Upon reviewing the video, Fish and Game staff informed the hunter that the bear was black, as it lacked certain typical grizzly features. The hunter was informed of this misidentification.
IFG clarified that grizzly bears are not commonly found in this area, with most residing in the northern Panhandle near Yellowstone National Park. Young male grizzlies sometimes roam unexpectedly long distances.
After shooting the bear and discovering it was a grizzly at the scene, the hunter quickly notified Fish and Game and fully cooperated with their investigation.
Grizzly bears are protected under federal and state law, and hunters are responsible for correctly identifying their targets. While the hunter did not receive a citation, they were warned.
IFG expressed regret over the staff error, acknowledged the stress caused to the hunter, and lamented the loss of the grizzly bear. They indicated that the incident is under internal review as a personnel matter.
