Fire Information
Outdoors
Island Park Area Closure Due to Grizzly Bears in Area
Posted on: August 18, 2007
Island Park, ID: The Caribou-Targhee National Forest has issued a temporary area closure starting August 17, 2007 for the Moose Creek Area near Big Springs in Island Park. The area closure is in effect to protect human life and safety from a potential grizzly bear-human encounter. On August 16th, a grizzly bear sow with two cubs wandered into at least three campsites looking for food. The bears entered unoccupied tents.
The area closure includes all hiking, fishing, camping, other than in Big Springs Campground, berry picking or any other activities. Motorized equipment is allowed on designated roads and trails in the Moose Creek or Big Springs Loop Road area. Residents in the area can be at their home or cabin, but are advised to not allow any outside sleeping at the residence due to safety.
Officials remind the public and residents in the area to keep all food and garbage in bear proof containers and not outside where a bear can get into the potential food source. Due to the current drought, bears are looking for any type of food source either on the forest, in a campground or at a residence.
Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials are currently setting bear traps to remove the grizzly bears from the area. In the mean time, the public is asked not to use the area other than for camping at the Big Springs Campground or motorized use. A public notice will be issued when the area is reopened.
For a map of the closure area, please visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/caribou-targhee/.
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About Dave Langston
Outdoor writer Dave Langston resides in Chubbuck. He grew up in the Midwest and south fishing and hunting across the country.
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