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ABC4 Utah is provided by Nexstar Media Group, Inc., and uses the My Nexstar sign-in, which works across our media network.

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. is a leading, diversified media company that produces and distributes engaging local and national news, sports, and entertainment content across its television and digital platforms. The My Nexstar sign-in works across the Nexstar network—including The CW, NewsNation, The Hill, and more. Learn more at nexstar.tv/privacy-policy.

ISLAND PARK, Idaho — On Saturday morning, a big game hunter shot and killed a male grizzly bear in self-defense, according to a statement from the Idaho Fish and Game.

The bear charged the man from a short distance while the man was hunting in the North Antelope flats area of Island Park on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

The hunter was hiking through thick timber when the grizzly came out of the brush, charging directly toward him, wildlife officials said. The man used the hunting rifle he was carrying to shoot the bear, killing it before contact was made.

The man called the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office as soon as he was able to report the incident, wildlife officials said.

Idaho Fish and Game was notified and immediately responded to the report, according to the prepared statement released to EastIdahoNews.com.

“After conducting a thorough investigation, it was determined that the hunter acted in self-defense as he was being charged by a bear from a close distance,” officials stated.

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 parts of northern Idaho. Grizzly bears also occasionally visit as far south as the Grangeville area and into the Salmon Region in central Idaho.

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 signs, including fresh tracks. Let partners know if you do see signs.
• 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.

CANYON COUNTY, Idaho — The FBI issued an updated statement on Wednesday after Idaho News 6 questioned the agency’s denial that children were zip-tied during a federal raid at a horse track in Wilder on Oct. 19.

Earlier, an FBI public affairs officer sent an email to Idaho News 6 stating, “Reports suggesting children were zip-tied or hit with rubber bullets during the October 19 FBI-led operation in Wilder are completely false.”

During coverage of the raid, Idaho News 6 obtained a photo showing a 14-year-old U.S. citizen in zip ties. The newsroom sent the image to the FBI in response to the initial statement.

READ MORE | Canyon County sheriff calls DHS statement on Wilder raid “false and misleading”

The FBI later replied with an “updated statement” that said, “Reports suggesting young children were zip-tied or hit with rubber bullets during the October 19 FBI-led operation in Wilder are completely false.”

Idaho News 6 followed up to clarify what age is defined as a “young child,” but has yet to hear back. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.