Bear awakenings
By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer
This bear was spotted by the Sun Valley ski patrol on
Sunday, March 26, on Bald Mountain. Its time for valley residents to "bear
proof" their homes, advises Fish and Game. Photo by Julie Cleman, Sun Valley ski
patrol
The Sun Valley ski patrol takes care of the bear necessities.
Late in the morning on Sunday, March 26, ski patroller Larry Lofswold
rounded a bend on Old Olympic and came face to face with a medium-sized black bear. He
estimated it to be a 250-pounder.
"I almost ran him over," Lofswold said in an interview
yesterday.
The bear and Lofswold were eye to eye for a several minutes before the
bear retreated to the side of the ski run. Lofswold said he might have been more nervous
if he didnt have skis on for a quick escape.
The ski patrol closed Old Olympic and Olympic Ridge for the remainder of
the day to ensure that there werent any conflicts between the bear and skiers or
snowboarders.
The next day, the bear was gone. It hasnt been spotted since.
Warm weather and rising temperatures mean outdoor fun and play for valley
residents, but they also mean that bears are awakening from their winter sleep.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game conservation officer Lee Frost advises
valley residents to clean up their yards, take down bird feeders and make sure trash cans
are not accessible to bears or other animals.
"Its time, particularly in areas where people have had bears in
the past, to bear-proof," Frost said. "If not, it becomes a very long and
frustrated summer because its a constant fight."