Thanks to ‘problem bear,’ you may have to cancel Ketchum-area camping plans
Several campgrounds near Ketchum are closed thanks to “a problem bear,” according to a Facebook post from the U.S. Forest Service’s Sawtooth National Forest branch.
It wasn’t immediately clear what earned the bear that distinction, but the post said Idaho Fish and Game officers would be in the area to trap and relocate the animal. The closure affects sites along part of National Forest System Road 146, also known as North Fork Road. That includes a 2-mile stretch from Caribou Campground north to Camp Manipu, the Forest Service said.
Some online commenters were less than thrilled with the decision and said the onus for safety must be on area campers — not the native wildlife.
“Closing it all off for one bear is stupid,” wrote one commenter who said she and her family camped alongside the bear the previous weekend. “It’s Idaho, people. Bears live here. Get used to it. ... Way to go glampers! You have ruined it for everyone. Including the BEAR!!!!!”
No details were immediately available regarding how long officials expected the closure to last.
Nicole Blanchard: 208-377-6410, @NMBlanchard
This story was originally published July 15, 2017 at 9:01 AM with the headline "Thanks to ‘problem bear,’ you may have to cancel Ketchum-area camping plans."