An Idaho bear attack left two people hurt outside their home early Friday near Salmon, and one victim was airlifted to a hospital, according to state wildlife officials.
The encounter happened around 3:30 a.m. in the Sunset Heights subdivision near the city of Salmon, which has a population just over 3,000, authorities said.
Idaho Fish and Game said one person was transported by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. The agency was alerted by the Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office and mobilized its Wildlife Human Attack Response Team to secure the scene.
Using a professional houndsman, authorities tracked a young bear believed to be involved, along with its sibling and a sow thought to be their mother. Officials said all three bears were euthanized.
Idaho bear attack prompts safety guidance
The sheriff’s office urged residents to reduce attractants and secure homes to deter wildlife. Recommendations included removing outdoor food odors, locking garbage and waiting until pickup day to set bins out, cleaning grills, taking down bird feeders, bringing in outdoor pet food, properly managing fruit trees, blocking potential entry points, keeping windows and doors closed, and using deterrent mats.
Local television reports said the pair were attacked while on their porch.
In a separate incident in July, a jogger with a dog was attacked by a bear in a state park in Fremont County, southeast of Lemhi County. The runner walked out without assistance and the dog was uninjured. Officials said the bear in that case was not found.
