Idaho Fish & Game reports a hiker was injured in a bear attack near Squirrel Creek in Fremont County on Tuesday afternoon, September 30th, 2025.
The hiker, an adult male, was traveling alone on the South rim of Squirrel Creek when the bear came charging out of thick timber a short distance away. The bear, which has not yet been identified as a grizzly or black bear, bit the man as it ran past him and continued on into the forest. The hiker was injured by the bite but but managed to hike out under his own power and sought medical attention.
In response Idaho Fish & Game staff have posted signs in the area advising visitors of bear activity. The bear attack was likely defensive and caused by the surprise close encounter. Due to defensive nature encounter no further management actions are planned at this time.
How to avoid surprising a bear
- Hike in groups of three or more people. Avoid hiking after dark, or at dawn or dusk, when bears are most active. Use extra caution in places where visibility or hearing is limited such as bushy areas near streams.
- Be alert. See the bear before you surprise it. Watch for fresh tracks, scat, and feeding sites (signs of digging, rolled rocks, torn up logs, ripped open ant hills).
- Make noise. When hiking, periodically yell “Hey bear!” to alert bears to your presence, especially when walking through dense vegetation/blind spots, traveling upwind, near loud streams, or on windy days.
- Avoid thick brush whenever possible. Bears often use the same trails hikers do, and are attracted to sources of food like berry patches or carcasses.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
