Inside a bear attack training exercise in Island Park

ISLAND PARK — Every year, people in eastern Idaho encounter bears or other wildlife.

Fish and Game holds classroom and on-the-ground training throughout the year to be prepared. To make this week’s scenario more realistic, Fish and Game brought in someone to play the role as an injured hunter and requested help from Air Idaho Rescue so they could more quickly get the person medical help.

In addition to medical personnel, WHART teams consist of administrative staff, conservation officers and biologists to investigate and ensure people’s safety.

“Human safety is number one. Then we try to investigate the scene and determine what happened, what went on and if there is an animal, if we need to capture or take out – then we take action,” Brower said.

With Fish and Game preparing to respond to emergencies, people can prepare themselves before going into bear country. From carrying and knowing how to use bear spray to traveling in groups of three or more, all can help. Wildlife experts also recommend people stay on maintained trails and make noise.

If someone does encounter a bear, it’s recommended to remain still, stand your ground and wave your arms. If the bear does attack, do not run. Additional bear safety tips can be found on the National Park Service website.

“We’re here for you,” Brower said. “We’re going to respond as quickly as we can to protect the public and we appreciate when people call and report things (like bear encounters).”

[melissaconnellyjones]

My brain read that as "Bear Attack in Island Park." I should probably go to bed early.

[twostop]

Island Park has the highest density of Grizzly poaching instances out any state, it's literally a grizzly bear graveyard

[MamaPinks]

True story
I'm in Northern California and we had a campground bear get into our cooler that we stupidly left out. We had scared him off when we got back from the lake. We locked everything up and he came back to look for his picnic basket. I couldn't believe it because we had 2 trucks with their engine running and high beames on, with a lit lantern on the table and it walked in looking like it was nothing. Super scary. Luckily the bear boxes there were really good. I got lucky and got a video of it too.🤩
Don't forget to lock up you food!

[marideathydeelz]

I think I will just stay out of the bear country. Y’all be safe!

[clydesweetfeetlivingston]

Hahahaha 6 dudes with long guns
Eric: I have a right to be here!@!!