BY KAREN BOSSICK

A juvenile black bear had to be euthanized on Monday after it became food-conditioned to residential garbage, bird feed and honey from beehives.

The bear had adopted the East Fork neighborhood south of Ketchum, finding a fast food row of residential garbage cans and bird feeders over the past several weeks.

It was all too convenient at a time when natural food might be in short supply due to very dry conditions in the Sun Valley area.

Fish and Game officers alerted to the rummaging bear observed residential garbage containers stored outside of homes, often left at curbside the day prior to pick up. They also observed bird feeders hanging outside homes and a large number of beehives.

“We immediately contacted area residents and urged them to store their garbage containers in a secure area, like a garage. We also asked them to take down bird feeders, which provide a steady food reward to bears,” said Brandyn Hurd, senior conservation officer. “Unfortunately, this bear continued to a receive a food reward from residential garbage containers and also learned that beehives can provide a high-calorie food source.”

In fact, the bear damaged several thousands of dollars’ worth of beehives over the past several days. In response, the owner placed an electric fence around the hives, as they’ve been shown to be a very effective deterrent to bears. But this bear was not to be denied.

Food-conditioned bears can rapidly lose their fear of humans and pose a threat to human safety when they do. Bears that become conditioned to food may get aggressive when they are not fed.

Relocating bears does not usually rectify the situation as they quickly return to the neighborhood where they have been feasting. Or they become a nuisance in a new location, Hurd added.

Fish and Game cautions homeowners to put out garbage containers only the morning of pickup. Unsecured garbage containers can attract skunks and racoons, which are prey to larger predators, such as mountain lions.

HIKING WITH BEARS

A non-aggressive black bear has been seen several times by hikers on the Adams Gulch trail north of Ketchum this summer. Black bears are common throughout the area.

Hikers should make enough noise to not surprise a bear—they’re typically very shy and will attempt to leave before a person gets too close. Anyone who encounters a black bear on a trail should stay calm and make sure the bear sees them.

Make noise while slowly backing away, keeping your eyes on the bear and making yourself look as large as possible. Never drop a backpack, especially if it has food in it and don’t climb a tree, as they’re quite adept at climbing themselves.

Never run, as bears are extremely fast and can quickly overtake a person running away. If you are attacked, do not play dead but fight back using any object. Concentrate kicks and blows on the bear’s face.