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Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI) — A warmer-than-usual winter and early spring conditions are changing bear behavior across eastern Idaho, according to wildlife experts.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game says the mild winter and lack of snowpack could impact where bears search for food this season.

James Brower, regional communications manager for the Upper Snake Region, said bears are waking up hungry and may be forced to look beyond their typical food sources.

“We had a very mild winter, and that could affect the movement of bears looking for food in different places,” Brower said. “Some of the resources they typically rely on may not be available right now, so they’re looking for high-calorie food sources as easily as they can find them.”

That shift could bring bears closer to neighborhoods and campsites.

Sightings are already being reported across the region, including images captured on home security cameras and shared on social media. In nearby Yellowstone National Park, bears have also been observed waking up slightly earlier than usual.

“They are definitely up right now,” Brower said.

With increased activity, Fish and Game is urging people to review basic bear safety practices before heading outdoors.

Hikers and outdoor recreationists are encouraged to carry bear spray and know how to use it, travel in groups, make noise, and stay on designated trails. Officials also recommend avoiding hiking during dawn and dusk, when bears are more active.

“One of the things that we love to teach people to do is to carry bear spray” Brower said “Make sure that you know how to use it. And when you go hiking, hike in a group, make lots of noise. Stay on the trail and avoid hiking at dawn or dusk. “

Brower also explained how to stay safe while camping.

“When you’re camping, prepare food at least 100 yards away from where you sleep and clean up as soon as you’re done,” Brower said. “Anything that smells should be secured, whether that’s in a hard-sided vehicle or hung out of reach.”

If someone encounters a bear, officials say the response depends on the animal’s behavior. In most cases, people should remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and slowly back away without running.

“Make yourself known as a human by speaking in a calm, low voice,” Brower said. “Don’t run. Back away slowly and give the bear space.”

Spring also brings an increase in baby wildlife sightings, which can lead to unnecessary human intervention.

Officials say many young animals are not abandoned, even if they appear alone. In most cases, their mothers are nearby or will return.

“The best thing to do is leave baby animals where they are,” Brower said. “Keep pets away and give them space.”

Anyone who encounters injured wildlife or has concerns is encouraged to contact Idaho Fish and Game so officials can assess the situation.

As warmer conditions continue, wildlife officials say awareness and preparation will be key to avoiding conflicts during the busy spring and summer recreation season.

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – More than 100 volunteers celebrated Arbor Day today in Rexburg, braving a chilly afternoon to plant 70 new trees at the DONJO Sports complex.

“You should go out and plant trees. It’s a good thing, and it helps the community and the air,” said Madison Junior High School athlete Jack Siddoway.

Madison High School’s football and baseball teams assisted, alongside Brigham Young University-Idaho students and other community members.

“My little sister comes and plays softball here almost every Saturday,” said Madison Junior High School Student Body President Bryce Rasmussen. “It’s going to be fun having a whole bunch of trees to look at and inspire from.”

The trees were purchased through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Department.

“It’s a $1 million dollar grant, so we’re going to be planting trees all over the city all summer long,” said Rexburg Mayor Jerry Merrill. “We’re going to be planting just hundreds, maybe even thousands of trees – as many of them as we can get done for a million dollars.”

The group planted six-to-seven-foot tall Bosnian pines, as well as 12-to-15-foot maples to act as windbreakers.

“You see them get just bigger and bigger, and you can say, ‘Hey, I planted, I picked up that tree. Now it’s so big you can’t even carry it any more,'” said JustServe volunteer Emmett Mangus.

Rexburg has long been recognized as a Tree City USA, a designation by the Arbor Day Foundation honoring communities that prioritize the health and vitality of their tree canopy.

Spreading bark and filling holes, volunteers of all ages pitched a hand to raise a new windbreak on the park’s border.

“We like to call ourselves America’s Family community, so we want to have places where families can come and do all kinds of sports and get the kids more active instead of being in on the screens all day,” he said. “Hopefully, that will help families to be stronger.”

The new park, named in honor of baseball benefactors Don and Joan Chicos, opened in 2023 and boasts four ball fields.

The efforts are part of what will soon be a new field at the sports complex.

“This area here will be a multi-purpose grassy area where you can play baseball, softball, soccer, and different things like that,” Merrill said.