Hunter Mistakenly Kills Protected Grizzly Bear in Idaho, Self-Reports Incident

A hunter in northern Idaho mistakenly shot and killed a federally protected young female grizzly bear, believing it was a black bear, in the Priest Lake drainage area. The hunter immediately self-reported the incident via the Citizens Against Poaching hotline and is cooperating with Idaho Fish and Game, which is investigating the case. Grizzly bears are protected under state and federal law and have been listed as threatened since 1975; hunters are legally required to properly identify bears before shooting, as size and color are unreliable indicators. Idaho has implemented a mandatory bear identification test for black bear hunters starting January 1, 2025, to help prevent such incidents. Officials emphasize distinguishing features of grizzlies such as short, rounded ears, a shoulder hump, a dished facial profile, and long claws, and they encourage hunters to regularly review these identification skills. This incident marks the third consecutive year that a black bear hunter has mistaken a grizzly bear in North Idaho, underscoring the need for vigilance and education.