An Idaho man was lucky to have his shotgun close at hand on June 6, when he had to defend his girlfriend from a charging grizzly bear. The incident occurred just outside their home in Island Park, when the bear charged as they were heading inside.

Officials with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game investigated the incident, which they referred to as a “surprise encounter” in a press release shared Tuesday. They determined that the man killed the bear “in defense-of-life,” which is permitted under Idaho law. IDFG regional communications manager James Brower tells Outdoor Life that the grizzly bear, a yearling male, died near the roadway in front of the home. Brower says the man shot the bear once with a load of buckshot was unable to provide many other details about the incident.

He adds that investigators didn’t find any clues that could help explain why the bear charged. Grizzlies often stay with their litter mates for a year or more after leaving the mother, so it’s possible that it had a sibling nearby. Young grizzly bears are also more curious and prone to causing trouble than older bears, which are more accustomed to (and often fearful of) humans.

“The man said he and his girlfriend were exiting their vehicle and heading into the house when she screamed, drawing his attention to a bear running in her direction,” officials explained in the press release. “The man was removing items from the vehicle, which included a shotgun that he was able to raise and fire toward the bear, causing it to turn and run away.”

Read Next: Hiker Attacked by Grizzly Says He Only Survived Because the Sow Bit His Bear Spray Canister

Island Park lies in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which is one of six grizzly bear recovery zones established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Of those zones, the GYE is home to the second-highest population of grizzly bears, just behind the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem in northwest Montana. Together, the two zones are home to more than 2,000 grizzlies, according to the latest estimates by the U.S. Geological Survey. And although these populations are both growing and expanding, the species remains listed under the Endangered Species Act.

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The shooting on June 6 marks the second time that a grizzly bear has been killed in self-defense in the Lower 48 in 2024. The first incident took place in late April, when a shed hunter in Montana shot a charging grizzly bear with a handgun. In that case, the bear was a 12-year-old sow protecting its cub.

Where to eat, stop, and stay in Swan Valley, Idaho, on your way to Jackson Hole.

 SWAN VALLEY, Idaho, June 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — With catastrophic damage to the Teton Pass corridor, commuters and tourists are now forced to take a longer route from Idaho to/from Jackson Hole, WY. The new commute through Swan Valley may help shed some light on this small but vibrant community that is often overlooked, and  River Retreat Lodge is sharing the local spots for travelers to know.

Located in southwestern Idaho, Swan Valley is known first and foremost for world-class fly-fishing on the Southfork of the Snake River. Many visitors to Jackson Hole come to experience this river’s greatness. Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel frequent the area, and Kimmel even has a lodge here.

Second, it is known for Palisades Reservoir and the surrounding lush forests, which are great for hiking, biking, and adventuring. A small ski resort, Kelly Canyon, is also located in the Valley, and travelers often visit Heise Hot Springs.

Swan Valley’s local businesses are the heart and soul of the area and rely on tourism, just as Jackson Hole and Driggs, to survive. As tourists and commuters now traverse this scenic valley, it’s the perfect time to spotlight these small, local businesses that are happy to welcome new guests and support locals and workers traveling to/from Jackson Hole during the interim until the pass is repaired.

Where To Eat
Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner, order a picnic lunch, or stop at the roadside grill.

The Gilded Trumpeter is a new boutique dining restaurant at River Retreat Lodge. It offers apps, salads, proteins, sides, desserts, wine, and beer. Breakfast is also available, and you can preorder a picnic lunch. Located in Irwin, just off the main drag at 1591 Old Irwin Road, or call +1 (877) 787-5634. Make dinner reservations on Open Table- https://bit.ly/swan-valley-restaurant-reservation
Breakfast Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 8:00 – 9:30 am
Happy Hour: Wednesday – Friday, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Dinner Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 5:30 – 8:00 pm

Snake River Roadhouse Bar and Grill is your standard community pub located on the main highway at 2998 Swan Valley Highway. For more information, call +1 (208) 483-2000.
Lunch and Dinner Hours: 
Wednesday: 11:30 am – 8:30 pm
Thursday: 11:30 am – 8:30 pm
Friday: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday: 11:30 am – 8:00 pm

Little Moose Lodge Restaurant is a quaint establishment serving burgers, fish and chips, and similar items. Wine and beer are also available. It is located at 3427 Swan Valley Hwy, or you can call +1 (208) 483-2281.
Call for restaurant reservations.
Lunch and Dinner Hours: 
Friday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Monday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

Need to Stay Over
River Retreat Lodge—Six spacious suites offer warm hospitality and breakfast included with your stay. There is a restaurant on site and beautiful grounds to sit back and unwind. Located off the main highway at 1591 Old Irwin Road

Hansen Guest Ranch– A western-style bed and breakfast and guest ranch in Irwin. Horses may be welcome if traveling with a trailer. 956 Rainey Creek Road

Little Moose Lodge – The stopover if you travel with a pet ($25 pet fee). The lodge offers seven rooms, and breakfast is available onsite for an additional charge. 3427 Swan Valley Hwy

Convenience Store 
Swan Valley General Store, grocery store, deli, bakery, beer, wine, 12 gasoline/diesel pumps.
Hours: 
Monday – Thursday, 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday, 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday, 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday, 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

In a recent CNN article, the US Department of Transportation said the Teton Pass corridor “serves as a critical commuter route and facilitates the transport of goods and services that are lifelines to the growing regional economies in Wyoming and Idaho.” Swan Valley hopes to help support the region during this unprecedented event.

About River Retreat Lodge
Six spacious suites perfect for couples, friends, or family looking for a getaway in top fishing and year-round outdoor destination Swan Valley, Idaho. Boutique dining onsite at The Gilded Trumpeter serves breakfast, happy hour, dinner, and pre-order picnic lunch. Restaurant open to the public with reservations. Book online at riverretreatlodge.com or find the restaurant on OpenTable.

1591 Old Irwin Road
Irwin, ID 83428
877.787.5634

SOURCE River Retreat Lodge

EDITOR’S NOTE: Marty and Max are starting a series on unique places to purchase and live in North Idaho. Today we are looking at the Clagstone Ranch.

Fast forward to the present, and North Idaho’s Clagstone Meadows, open to the public since 2017, introduces us to our modern-day Wyatt Earp: Dan Baker. Thirty years ago, Baker envisioned a place where his family could enjoy space, safety, and the freedom to live out the rugged individualism that North Idaho offers. “The dream was living in a very harmonized way to include nature, family, and friends, living in harmony with common values that believe in God, Family, and Country,” explained Director of Owner Relations Causja LaVe-Wohletz .

While it may not be Tombstone, Clagstone is a community north of Spirit Lake and embodies the essence of North Idaho living. Dan Baker’s vision culminated in Clagstone Ranch, conveniently located about 10 minutes from amenities like grocery stores and healthcare and roughly 40 minutes from Sandpoint and Costco. Spokane Airport is a 65-minute drive away, making Clagstone the hub of North Idaho’s growth and a burgeoning destination.

Entering the 420-acre Clagstone Ranch, visitors are greeted by a security gate, a large American flag waving proudly, and a community center in the background. Several times a year, community events feature live music, water slides, horses, and more, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie. The ranch consists of about 84 building lots, each owner enjoying a 5-acre parcel with power at the street, a community well with pristine aquifer water, and soil ideal for septic systems and construction.

Driving through the community with Causja, traveling down Wyatt Earp Loop to Doc Holliday Drive, it’s clear the sense of community is strong. Neighbors greeted her warmly, reflecting the supportive atmosphere. When asked what she loved most about Clagstone, Causja highlighted the community’s collaborative spirit, particularly evident during winter months when residents help each other navigate the sub-freezing temperatures.

Wildlife has roamed these lands for centuries, and Clagstone’s unique position, surrounded by state lands on three sides, honors this heritage. Bonner County partnered with the ranch to create a moose and deer path with 25-foot landscape setbacks where owners are asked not to clear trees or fences within that area, providing wildlife a 50-foot corridor of privacy.

Prospective buyers can build their own homes, use their builders, or opt for one of the community’s approved builders. Clagstone Construction is available to assist with affordable home site pads, driveways, septic systems, and lot clearing. Buyers should be aware of the area’s heavier snowfall compared to Coeur d’Alene and come prepared. The community manages road plowing, park maintenance, gate security, and water services, all for a reasonable $640 per year. Law enforcement officers and military personnel receive discounts that can be applied toward construction costs or price reductions.

Wyatt Earp helped pave the way for North Idaho, and the region’s low crime rates continue to attract new residents. While Earp might find it challenging to mediate another gunfight today, as most locals are skilled marksmen, Idaho’s balanced budget and surplus also draw people to the state. In the 1800s, people came to Idaho seeking their dreams, family values, and opportunities. Over a century later, Dan Baker alongside Chad and Alison Baker offers the same at Clagstone Ranch, taking us “Back to the Future.” Both the Baker’s and Wyatt Earp lived their futures in North Idaho, and it’s not too late for you. As the Christopher Lloyd character Doc Brown from Back to the Future said, “Your future hasn’t been written yet.”

If you know of a unique and special area, please reach out. We’d love to feature many of the great places to buy in North Idaho.

For more information, contact Marty Walker at marty@21goldchoice.com. This article was not written by and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Coeur d’Alene Regional REALTORS® Source Reuters & CDA MLS