Idaho Authorities Euthanize 3 Bears After Salmon Porch Attack Injures 2

Q: What deadly mistake did Idaho homeowners make that led a bear family straight to their porch in the dead of night?

They appear to have left bear attractants around the home — especially food odors, unsecured trash, grills, pet food or bird feeders — which officials say likely drew the bear family onto the porch in the middle of the night. Idaho Fish and Game said the attack near Salmon “appears to have been caused by the bears entering an area with food odors and other attractants.” The sheriff’s office then warned residents to remove exactly those temptations: secure garbage, clean and store grills properly, bring in pet food, remove bird feeders, and avoid setting trash out before pickup day. Authorities have not publicly identified one single item at that home as the cause. But the clear finding from investigators is that the homeowners likely made the dangerous mistake of allowing food-related smells or accessible attractants to remain outside, effectively luring the sow and juveniles straight to the residence.

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 3

Three bears — the attacking young bear, its sibling and a female believed to be their mother — were tracked by Idaho Fish and Game and euthanized after two people were mauled outside a Salmon home.
The attack happened around 3:30 a.m. Friday in the Sunset Heights subdivision, where the pair were on their porch; one victim was flown to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.
Lemhi County deputies alerted Idaho Fish and Game, which sent its Wildlife Human Attack Response Team and used a professional houndsman to locate the animals.
Salmon, a town of just over 3,000, was urged to secure trash, grills, pet food and other attractants as Idaho officials warned residents to block bear access to homes.
The attack follows another Idaho bear encounter in July, when a jogger in Fremont County was attacked in a state park and the bear was never found.