STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Learn how to co-exist with the magnificent creatures that share our habitat on Thursday when the Hailey Public Library hosts a virtual presentation titled “Wildlife Among Us.”

The presentation starts at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21. RSVP to Kristin.fletcher@haileypubliclibrary.org to take part.

The presentation piggybacks on the formation of the Wood River Valley Wildlife Smart Communities coalition, which was formed last summer by the Wood River Valley’s four cities, plus the Blaine County Commission.

The group, which also includes representatives of Idaho Fish and Game, the Idaho Conservation League and the U.S. Forest Service, was formed to address such issues as bears getting into trash cans and mountain lions terrorizing pets.

It will feature Kaz Thea, a Hailey City Council member who has worked for the federal government, conservation organizations and as a consultant protecting habitat for at-risk species. She has a Masters in Natural Science from the University of Idaho.

It will also feature Terry Thompson, regional communications manager for the Magic Valley Region of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Thompson, also a University of Idaho alum, served a brief stint with Blaine County Emergency Service before joining Idaho Fish and Game and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Human-wildlife conflicts has grown as the population of Blaine County has increased from 5,800 in 1970 to 22,600 today.

“You don’t need to live here for years to see wildlife,” said Kristin Fletcher, the library’s programs and community engagement coordinator, “They lurk along the highway, nap in our backyards, munch on our trees and sometimes frighten us when we’re out of doors. The truth is, we live in their natural home. This presentation hopes to shine light on how we can live amongst these magnificent creatures in ways that are safe for us and safe for them.”