ISLAND PARK, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) said a man was attacked and bitten by a grizzly bear while hunting for elk with a friend in Island Park.
The department said the attack happened on the morning of Sept. 1 in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near the Divide Creek Road. One of the men was knocked down and bitten, however, both men used their guns to shoot and kill the bear.
"I am extremely grateful that both of these individuals survived this encounter," says Fish and Game Regional Supervisor Matt Pieron. "I have had the opportunity to speak with the injured hunter and his family and they are truly wonderful people. I wish him a speedy recovery from his injuries and the trauma these two hunters experienced."
IDFG determined the men acted in self-defense but reminded people that grizzly bears are protected under federal and state law.
The man was airlifted to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
