Idaho
More grizzlies in Idaho? Federal proposal could make it happen as Republicans push delisting
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials have moved forward with plans to consider restoring grizzly bear populations to a part of Idaho where they haven’t been seen regularly in decades, all while Idaho’s governor and congressional delegation continue to try to remove endangered species protections for the bears.
The federal project weighs options for bears in the Bitterroot ecosystem, a swath of land stretching from Central Idaho to western Montana. It’s one of six grizzly recovery zones that were identified in the 1990s as part of the species survival plan for the endangered bear population in the contiguous United States.
While the occasional grizzly has been documented by radio collar or trail camera wandering through portions of the recovery zone in recent years, the Lewiston Tribune reported that tracks and in-person sightings were last documented in the 1930s and ’40s. Currently grizzlies are in eastern and northern Idaho, in the Greater Yellowstone and Cabinet-Yaak recovery zones.
Last year, a Montana federal judge ordered a review of the Bitterroot after concluding Fish and Wildlife Service officials did not adequately assist bear recovery there. The agency had planned to introduce 25 grizzlies in the early 2000s but later scrapped the plans. At the time, Idaho officials filed a lawsuit against the agency over the reintroduction plans.
Idaho Republican elected officials, including Gov. Brad Little and the state’s congressional delegates, have been outspoken opponents of grizzlies’ Endangered Species Act protections in the last several years, threatening legal action and introducing bills to force their delisting.
Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo and Rep. Russ Fulcher, all co-sponsors of last year’s delisting bill, did not respond to requests for comment. Gov. Little’s office also didn’t respond.
Fish and Wildlife Service hosted an information session on the project earlier this week, and two more are scheduled for next week. A public comment period on the proposal ends March 18.
2024 Idaho Statesman. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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More grizzlies in Idaho? Federal proposal could make it happen as Republicans push delisting (2024, February 9)
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IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Three people overdosed from suspected fentanyl on Tuesday.
The Idaho Falls Police Department reports three people on the 500 block of Ridge Avenue and the 200 block of Short Street overdosed on fentanyl on Tuesday. Two of the overdoses were deadly.
East Idaho News reports police say the deceased individuals were identified as two women, a 24-year-old and a 63-year-old.
Police say they do not believe that the overdoses were connected to a “bad batch” of fentanyl, but rather that the users believed the substance to be a different drug.
It is not clear what drug the fentanyl was mistaken for or made to look like.
According to the release, fentanyl can be found in several forms, including powder, and may appear in different colors and consistencies, making it difficult to identify.
“Because of this, individuals may unknowingly ingest fentanyl while believing they are using a different substance,” according to the release. “These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers fentanyl poses within our community.”
Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that is often mixed into other narcotics, sometimes without the user’s knowledge, says police. Even a very small amount can be deadly.
The Idaho Falls Police Department, along with community partners, is continuing to investigate these incidents and work to identify and disrupt the distribution of dangerous narcotics in our area.
“We encourage anyone struggling with substance abuse to seek help immediately and urge friends and family members to check in on loved ones who may be at risk,” says the release.
Important safety reminders:
Never take pills or substances that are not prescribed directly to you.
Be aware that counterfeit pills may contain fentanyl.
Call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing signs of an overdose, including slowed breathing, unconsciousness, or blue or gray skin coloration.
Carrying and administering Narcan (naloxone) can save lives during an opioid overdose emergency.
Anyone with information related to narcotics distribution in the Idaho Falls area is encouraged to contact the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208) 529-1200 or submit anonymous tips through East Idaho Crime Stoppers.
BOISE COUNTY, Idaho (CBS2) — A traffic stop along the Highway 21 corridor in Boise County led to the arrest of an Idaho City woman on methamphetamine and other drug-related charges, according to the Boise County Sheriff’s Office.
On May 21, 2026, at about 6:40 p.m., a Boise County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducting traffic safety enforcement saw a gray car traveling at a high rate of speed and initiated a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, the deputy recognized behaviors associated with drug activity.
K9 Sage was deployed for a free open-air sniff and alerted on the vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.
Rochelle Kinney, 46, of Idaho City, was arrested on charges of felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to traffic safety enforcement and addressing drug possession that endangers public safety within Boise County,” the Boise County Sheriff’s Office said.
Concertgoers heading to see Bailey Zimmerman at the Ford Idaho Center on June 5 will be able to kick off the venue’s amphitheater season early with a tailgate-style pre-show party featuring a live DJ, food and drinks, prizes and giveaways, and photo opportunities.
The Ford Idaho Center is hosting its first-ever amphitheater season kickoff party ahead of Zimmerman’s show, partnering with CBH Homes.
Arielle McCormick, CBH Homes’ Director of brand and vision, said the company has long focused on making people feel welcome at community events.
“As Idaho’s number one home builder, we’ve been welcoming Idahoans home for 34 years,” McCormick said. “Making people feel welcomed and ready for fun at whatever event they are here for.”
Organizers said the pre-show party will include a live DJ to keep the energy up before the concert, along with food, drinks, prizes, giveaways and photo ops. Gypsy Tattoo will also be on site offering free flash tattoos inspired by live music.
“I’ve heard they are real tattoos, real flash tattoos, first come, first serve,” McCormick said. “So get here at four-thirty on June 5th.”
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The kickoff party starts at 4:30 p.m., hours before showtime. The event is only for Bailey Zimmerman ticket holders. Tickets have not sold out, but organizers say supplies are limited.
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