Grizzly Bears in Idaho

Grizzly bears were eliminated from 98 percent of their historic range, which stretched from the Arctic to central Mexico and from California to Minnesota, by the 1920s and 1930s in the lower 48 states.

In 1975, they were listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act.

Today six grizzly bear populations are recognized in portions of Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Washington. Three of these populations contain fewer than 35 individuals. The Yellowstone population, inhabiting parts of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, is estimated to comprise more than 600 individuals.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has primary management responsibility. After delisting, the states would assume the primary management role within their respective state boundaries.

Grizzly bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem were removed from the endangered species list in 2007. Since delisting, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission has assumed authority for managing grizzly bears within the Idaho portion of the Yellowstone ecosystem. The bears are still protected under the Endangered Species Act elsewhere in the state.

Idaho still classifies grizzly bears as a threatened species, making it illegal to take or possess grizzly bears except under certain circumstances, including scientific research, propagation, to stop damage to property and water rights and other specific circumstances outlined in state law. There are no hunting seasons for grizzly bears in Idaho.

Contacts —

For grizzly bear information:

Idaho Fish and Game Wildlife Bureau - (208-334-2920)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - (406-329-3223)

For local information regarding grizzly bear activity, you may contact the following:

Northern Idaho — Selkirks and Cabinet Yaak - (208-769-1414)
Eastern Idaho — Yellowstone - (208-525-7290)
Central Idaho — Bitterroot - (208-799-5010)