A young black bear that wandered into a Nampa neighborhood ended up getting a second chance in the wild after Idaho Fish and Game crews safely captured and relocated it.

On Sunday, June 14, Idaho Fish and Game enforcement officers and biologists responded to a report of a black bear in a tree in a residential area in Nampa. Working with the Nampa Police and Fire Departments, Fish and Game staff sedated the yearling male black bear, loaded it into a trap, and transported it to a suitable release location in Unit 32A, north of Ola.

Fish and Game said the bear was a yearling “probably recently kicked off by a sow” and was trying to survive on its own. The bear had not caused any issues or conflicts that staff were aware of, was not food-conditioned, and “very clearly had an appropriate fear of humans,” which factored into the decision to relocate it.

“It’s not an everyday, or even yearly, occurrence for a bear to end up roaming a Treasure Valley neighborhood, and it’s even rarer for us to relocate one,” said Regional Wildlife Manager Ryan Walrath. “Often, euthanizing a bear in town is our only option.”

Fish and Game said that by the time staff hear about bears in town, they have often been causing problems for a while, have been receiving food rewards from human sources, and have lost an appropriate fear of people. In those circumstances, relocating a bear could lead to continued conflicts and create a potential public safety risk. The agency also noted that chemically immobilizing and attempting to relocate large animals poses risks to the public, the animal and Fish and Game staff.

“Our priority is public safety and the safety of our staff, followed by the safety of the animal,” said Regional Supervisor Josh Royse. “We don’t always have the resources to mitigate those risks to an acceptable level, but in this case, we did. It is rare that we can do anything other than euthanize a bear that is in a place that we don’t want it. This was one of those very rare exceptions, and we took advantage of it.”

Fish and Game also warned it could be a busy year for bears turning up in Treasure Valley communities. Wildlife biologists in Southwest Idaho are seeing more reports of bears in town than usual, and earlier than usual, this year, likely influenced by current drought conditions.

“We wouldn’t be shocked to see even more bears in places they wouldn’t normally be as we get into late summer and early fall, as we expect that natural food sources will be harder to come by,” Walrath said.

Fish and Game urged residents to reduce attractants that can draw bears into neighborhoods. Recommendations include removing bird feeders between April and mid-November, feeding pets inside, putting trash cans out the morning of pickup day instead of the night before, and not keeping coolers, refrigerators or freezers outside. If a bear has already found food at a home, residents should take those steps right away; Fish and Game said the bear will likely return a couple more times, but will eventually move on if it finds no food.

Residents are also encouraged to promptly report bear problems to their local Fish and Game office. Fish and Game said early reports can give staff more options and allow them to provide homeowners with information to make neighborhoods less attractive to bears. If you see a bear in town, report it to the Southwest Region Office in Nampa at 208-465-8465.

REXBURG, Idaho — In 2030, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will commemorate the bicentennial of the organization of the Church. It will also commemorate the beginning of the Savior’s mortal ministry 2,000 years ago.

“This convergence will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” noted Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

As Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught in October 2024 general conference, “These events will result in extraordinary opportunities to serve, to unite with members and friends and to introduce The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to more people than ever before.”

To thousands of BYU–Idaho students gathered in the I–Center auditorium on Sunday, June 14, Elder Caussé issued a simple invitation: “Be prepared.”

To read the full story, visit TheChurchNews.com.

James “Jim” Franklin Arehart, 91, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away June 12, 2026, at Turtle and Crane Assisted Living Center.

Jim was born June 11, 1935, in Coltman, Idaho, to Joseph Howard Arehart and Lena Idoma Hunsaker. He married Afton Wilson on May 28, 1953, in Montana.

Jim worked for the City of Idaho Falls in the Streets and Sanitation Department, where he served as a foreman. He lived most of his adult life in Idaho Falls and Roberts, Idaho.

Jim enjoyed stock car racing, bronc riding, and boxing with the Pal Club. He was also a horse trainer and loved cutter and flat track racing. He loved, loved, loved hunting and spending time with his family. He coached baseball and enjoyed being involved in the lives of others through sports and community activities.

He is survived by his children: Roxie Anne Steele (Gordon) of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Tony Jim Arehart (Kim) of Meridian, Idaho; Byron Todd Arehart (Scott) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Timothy Joe Arehart (Karlene) of Idaho Falls, Idaho. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Afton Arehart, and 16 brothers and sisters.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Grant Central Cemetery, 154 N 3300 E, Rigby, Idaho. The family will meet with friends prior to the graveside from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 West main Street, Rigby, Idaho.