Residents in the area are urged to secure their garbage bins and remove bird feeders or other sources of food to prevent attracting bears.

BOISE, Idaho — Black bears are appearing in neighborhoods throughout the Wood River Valley, and wildlife officials said it’s because the animals are looking for an easy meal.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game on Thursday said the bears are foraging for ripe berries to pack on fat ahead of winter, but their incredible sense of smell is drawing them to homes. 

It’s due to left-out garbage, bird feeders, and even pet food that can attract the animal, according to Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG).

“It’s estimated that a bear’s sense of smell is seven times stronger than a bloodhound’s and can detect scents from miles away,” IDFG wrote in a news release. “That incredible ability helps them survive—but it also draws them into places they don’t belong, especially when human food sources are easily accessible.”


Idaho Fish and Game said that once a bear eats human food, the behavior is learned, and it is extremely difficult to change. And once it becomes accustomed it, “cannot simply be moved.”

“Often, they’ll return to the same spot—or bring the problem to a new area,” officials wrote. “For public safety, Idaho Fish and Game may be forced to euthanize bears that repeatedly seek out human food sources.”


IDFG reminds the public of important steps to take while dealing with black bears in the Wood River Valley area: 

  • Keep all household garbage secured in a garage or other enclosed area.
  • Put your garbage cart curbside on the morning of pickup, NOT the night before.
  • Leftovers or discarded fish or meat bones give off a strong odor and should be stored in your freezer until the day of garbage pickup.
  • Keep attractants, like BBQ grills, bird seed or pet food stored where bears cannot access them.
  • Bird feeders should be taken down May through October since bears can gain a tremendous number of calories from bird seed.

Wildlife officials stated that if there is a bear around your neighborhood, you should take action immediately and safely.

“Hazing the bear by yelling, clapping, banging pots and pans, or using airhorns can send the message that it is not welcome and preserve the wild nature of bears that is essential for their survival. Bears are intelligent and can quickly learn which areas to avoid,” IDFG wrote.