Idaho
Hunter kills charging grizzly near Montana-Idaho state line
MISSOULA, Mont. — Idaho authorities say a sow grizzly bear has been shot and killed by a hunter near Mule Meadows on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, not far from the Montana state line.
According to a press release from Idaho Fish and Game, the incident occurred on Saturday evening, Oct. 26, when the hunter shot the grizzly in self-defense while it was charging him as he was elk hunting.
The hunter claimed as he was hiking through thick timber, the grizzly bear came out of the brush just a few yards away and immediately charged him.
The hunter immediately reacted by shooting and killing the bear with his hunting rifle from short range.
Once the hunter was in cell range he called the Clark County Sheriff’s Office to report the incident.
U.S. Forest Service law enforcement and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game were also dispatched and responded to the call. After a thorough investigation, it was determined that the hunter acted in self defense.
Full release:
On the evening of Oct. 26, a hunter shot and killed a sow grizzly bear in self-defense while it was charging him as he was elk hunting north of Kilgore near Mule Meadows on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
The hunter was hiking through thick timber when the grizzly came out of the brush only a few yards away, charging directly toward him. The hunter used his hunting rifle to shoot the bear, killing it at a very short distance and before it was able to make contact.
The hunter called the Clark County Sheriff’s Office to report the incident immediately after returning to cell coverage to report the incident. Forest Service Law Enforcement and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game were dispatched and responded to the call. After conducting a thorough investigation, it was determined that the hunter acted in self defense during a surprise encounter with the bear from a very close distance.
Grizzly bears are protected under State and Federal law, and Fish and Game reminds hunters that grizzly bears may be encountered in the Greater Yellowstone area and north Idaho, and they occasionally visit as far south as the Grangeville area and the Salmon area in central Idaho.
Here are some good reminders when hunting in grizzly country:
Carry bear spray and keep it accessible.
Hunt with partners and make each other aware of plans.
Look for grizzly bear sign, including fresh tracks. Let partners know if you do see sign.
Retrieve meat as quickly as possible.
Hang meat, food, and garbage at least 200 yards from camp and at least 10 feet off the ground.
When not actively hunting, make noise, especially around creeks and thick vegetation. Most attacks occur by inadvertently surprising a bear at close range.
MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho (CBS2) — A joint investigation by the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office and the Mountain Home Police Department has led to the arrest of a man accused of multiple sexual offenses in Elmore County and the city of Mountain Home.
An arrest warrant was issued on June 10, 2026, for Dillon Thorpe following an investigation conducted by Elmore County Sheriff’s Office detectives. Thorpe was taken into custody on June 11, 2026, on a warrant by the Idaho State Police.
Thorpe is charged with rape, child enticement, lewd conduct with a minor, and sexual abuse of a child under the age of 16.
Authorities said additional details about the investigation will not be released at this time because of the nature of the crimes and to protect the privacy of victims and witnesses.
Law enforcement believes there may be additional suspected victims and/or witnesses who have not yet been identified. Anyone with information or evidence relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office or the Mountain Home Police Department to make a report.
DENVER (KDVR) — Three Colorado motorcyclists died on Tuesday in northern Idaho after a pickup truck driver, also from Colorado, hit all three while trying to pass another vehicle, according to the Idaho State Police.
The crash happened at about 4 p.m. Tuesday outside the town of Kooskia on U.S. 12, police said. The pickup truck driver, identified as a 60-year-old Colorado Springs woman, was headed west on the highway when she crossed the double yellow line in a no-passing zone while trying to pass another vehicle.
She then collided head-on with the three motorcycles that were headed east on the highway.
The three motorcyclists died at the scene. The Idaho County Coroner identified the motorcyclists as: Ethan Powers, 35, of Timnath, Jeremy Coleman, 45 of Berthoud, and Nathan McCormick, 26, of Loveland.
The Colorado Fraternal Order of Police later identified Coleman and Powers as a sergeant and deputy with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and McCormick as Coleman’s son-in-law.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, coworkers, and the members of FOP Lodge 4 as they face the difficult days ahead,” the union said. “The law enforcement profession is built on service, sacrifice, and commitment to others. Sgt. Coleman and Deputy Powers dedicated their lives to protecting their community, and their impact will continue to be felt by those who had the privilege of serving alongside them.”
The truck driver was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation before being released then arrested. She was booked into the Idaho County Jail on probable cause for three counts of vehicular manslaughter, police said.
The following is a press release from the Idaho State Police:
The Idaho State Police (ISP) is investigating a three-fatality crash that occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, on U.S. Highway 12 near milepost 113 east of Kooskia.
The preliminary investigation indicates a 2019 Ford F-150 was traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 12 when the driver attempted to pass another vehicle in a marked no-passing zone. The pickup crossed the double yellow centerline and collided with three motorcycles traveling eastbound.
The three motorcyclists sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.
The 60-year-old female driver of the Ford, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Following her release, she was arrested and booked into the Idaho County Jail on probable cause for three counts of vehicular manslaughter.
The Idaho County Coroner’s Office will identify the deceased and determine the cause and manner of death.
U.S. Highway 12 was closed for approximately six and one-half hours while emergency responders assisted at the scene and investigators processed evidence.
ISP was assisted by the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho County Coroner’s Office, the Idaho Transportation Department, and local fire and EMS personnel.
The crash remains under investigation.
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