Idaho
Idaho grizzly bear attacks hunter in 'surprise encounter'
A hunter in Idaho was attacked and bitten by a grizzly bear during what officials described as a “surprise encounter.”
The incident unfolded Sunday in Island Park as the individual and his friend were hunting elk in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, according to Idaho Fish and Game. Island Park is located near Yellowstone National Park and the Idaho-Wyoming border.
“During the surprise encounter, one of the hunters was knocked down and bitten by the bear,” Idaho Fish and Game said. “Both men were able to utilize their sidearms to shoot the bear, deterring the attack and killing the bear.
“The hunters were able to call 911 and the injured individual was transported by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries,” the agency added.
BROWN BEAR ATTACKS HUNTERS IN ALASKA, LEAVING ONE WITH GUNSHOT WOUND AFTER ENSUING TUSSLE, STATE POLICE SAY
A grizzly bear is seen in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. An archery hunter that was pursuing elk near the Idaho city of Island Park, which is located near Yellowstone, was attacked over the weekend by a grizzly bear, officials say. (Karen Bleier/AFP via Getty Images)
An investigation of the attack revealed that the “hunters acted in self-defense during a surprise encounter with the bear from a very close distance,” officials said.
“I am extremely grateful that both of these individuals survived this encounter,” Fish and Game Regional Supervisor Matt Pieron said in a statement. “I have had the opportunity to speak with the injured hunter and his family and they are truly wonderful people. I wish him a speedy recovery from his injuries and the trauma these two hunters experienced.”
HUNTER OF BELOVED ‘HOLLYWOOD BUCK’ IN VIRGINIA FACES JAIL TIME, LOSES HUNTING LICENSE FOR OVER 25 YEARS
Idaho Fish and Game say most grizzly bear attacks happen when the bears are inadvertently startled at close range. (Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Idaho Fish and Game is now reminding hunters that grizzly bears may be encountered in the region and urges them to carry bear spray and look for fresh tracks.
A grizzly bear living at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana, explores its enclosure. Officials say hunters should carry bear spray to protect themselves while in the forest. (Trevor Hughes / USA TODAY NETWORK)
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“When not hunting, make noise, especially around creeks and thick vegetation. Most attacks occur by inadvertently surprising a bear at close range,” they said.
Idaho
Fire damages sheds, power lines near W. Idaho Ave in Ontario
ONTARIO, Oregon — A fire in a lot near W. Idaho Ave and South Oregon Street in Ontario has visibly damaged sheds and power lines.
Idaho News 6 arrived at the scene Sunday morning at around 12 p.m., finding nearby sheds across a fence line scorched, but standing. Power lines appeared to be damaged in the blaze.
No fire, police, or EMS were still on scene, and there were no surrounding road closures.
Idaho News 6 has reached out to officials and is awaiting additional information.
Idaho
Volunteers camp out to take part in the Succor Creek Clean-Up in the Owyhees
ADRIAN, Oregon — The Friends of the Owyhee organized a clean-up in Malheur County in Oregon, and volunteers came out to pick up trash and get rid of abandoned campers.
“We had two abandoned RV’S and a camper that were abandoned out on public lands,” said Tim Davis, who runs the Friends of the Owyhee. “They were sitting there for upwards of a year, and it is really clear that it is hard to get rid of these.”
WATCH| Check out the video to see volunteers demolish a camper—
Volunteers camp out for the Succor Creek Clean-Up in the Owyhees
Davis worked with the local sheriff’s office and the BLM to remove the campers, but he found it difficult because there was no place to take these recreational vehicles. The Gambler 500, an off-road group, brought out some people to demolish a camper with an excavator.
“That is awesome to see the turnout with the army of volunteers we have today,” said Brian Arndt of the Gambler 500 group. “We are going to be able to get the camper all in the dumpster, get it cleaned down to the frame, and then everything that can be recycled will be recycled.”
Volunteers camped out on Succor Creek Road on Friday night so they could get an early start on Saturday. Many volunteers will camp out again on Saturday night and finish the clean-up on Sunday.
“Malheur is the 12th largest county in the United States, and it’s 74 percent public land,” said Davis. “We have very few resources with the BLM; they are understaffed, they have one rec planner right now, so us, as public land owners, should be able to step up and keep this place clean.”
Lela Blizzard works as the lone recreational planner for the Vail District of the BLM, who says most sites have signs that say pack it in and pack it out. She says the BLM really needs the cooperation of the public because of how large it is, and she was happy to see how many volunteers showed up.
“I just want to tell them thank you because I know they are taking time out of their weekend to come out here to help us make sure the land continues to look nice for everyone who comes out to enjoy it,” said Blizzard.
Griz Ward is one of the volunteers, and he enjoyed camping out, but he also would like to see people pick up after themselves. When it comes to outdoor recreation, it is so important to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
“If you come out here and play in the area, be respectful,” said Ward. “Pack it in and pack it out, leave no trace and do the right thing, or frankly, stay home.”
The Succor Creek Clean-Up also received a lot of support from the Treasure Valley, as they got donations from the Ontario Sanitation Service with the dumpsters, Tates Rents with the excavator, and United with porta-potties for the campsite.
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Idaho
No Kings movement brings statewide protests to Idaho this weekend
IDAHO — ‘No Kings 3’ protests will take place throughout Idaho on March 28, including in Boise and Twin Falls.
According to the Idaho 50501 Facebook page, there will be speakers & musicians playing at protests across the Treasure Valley.
Protests will take place in Boise, Caldwell, Nampa, Mountain Home, Twin Falls, and other Idaho cities.
NoKings.org
On March 28, Neighborhood Reporters Allie Triepke & Lorien Nettleton will bring coverage of the Boise & Twin Falls protests on Idaho News 6 at 10.
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