Grizzly euthanized in Idaho after becoming ‘food-conditioned’

ISLAND PARK, Idaho — Wildlife officials euthanized an adult male grizzly bear Thursday after the animal became habituated to human food sources in a residential neighborhood.

Idaho Fish and Game, in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, decided to euthanize the bear after it repeatedly accessed unsecured garbage and broke into vehicles in the Pinehaven area of Island Park.

The bear first appeared in the neighborhood early last week and quickly learned to associate the area with food rewards. Doorbell cameras captured the animal multiple times as it rummaged through garbage cans and pressed against buildings while searching for food.

Officials said the bear’s persistent behavior and loss of natural fear around humans posed a safety risk that warranted lethal action.

“Due to the bear’s consistent seeking of unnatural food and habituation to residential areas, it was captured and euthanized in the interest of human safety,” Idaho Fish and Game stated.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in Island Park, which is home to both grizzly and black bear populations. Wildlife managers emphasized that residents who fail to secure attractants properly not only endanger their own property but also put local wildlife at risk.

Officials recommend storing garbage containers inside garages or locked sheds, placing bins outside only on collection mornings rather than the night before, and using certified bear-resistant containers whenever possible. They warned that storing garbage in vehicles is inadequate and has contributed to recurring problems.

Bears adapt quickly and can rapidly learn to associate humans with food sources, officials said. Common attractants include residential garbage, birdseed, pet food, beehives, poultry, and fruit trees.

When bears become food-conditioned, they often lose their natural wariness of people and may approach humans directly, creating dangerous situations for both species.

Grizzly bears remain protected under the Endangered Species Act, which means that management decisions require coordination between state and federal wildlife agencies.