Fish and Game Corner

Idaho Fish and Game warns motorists about elk on I-15 near Chubbuck

Motorists should be aware of a herd of elk occupying open fields north of Chubbuck and Pocatello near New Day Parkway.  Some of these elk have been observed occasionally congregating at the fence on the east side of Interstate-15 and even on the on-ramp associated with the parkway.  There have also been elk crossing the interstate to the west side.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game continues to monitor this herd which numbers between 150 and 200 animals at this time. In the interests of public and wildlife safety, motorists are asked to exercise caution and consider slowing down in this area, especially in the early morning hours and evening when visibility is reduced.

Idaho Fish and Game is asking the public to please refrain from using New Day Parkway or other side roads for the purpose of gaining access to these elk and to not approach the herd by foot.  These actions can stress the animals and can cause them to move, possibly into oncoming traffic or into neighboring developments.

These elk have historically used the hills and winter ranges to the east and north of Chubbuck and Pocatello.  In the fall of 2022, a wildfire impacted a portion of their winter range.  This in combination with the severe winter that followed pushed the elk down lower and closer to Chubbuck and Pocatello.  Since then, this new winter behavior pattern for this particular group of elk has persisted. As temperatures warm and snows begin to recede, these elk should begin retreating to higher elevations away from the interstate and populated areas.

Idaho Fish and Game relocates female moose and calf from community in Bingham County

On the morning of March 19, Idaho Department of Fish and Game personnel responded to a report of three moose wandering in the community of Riverside, about 10 miles west of Blackfoot in Bingham County.

Two of the moose, a female and her calf, were tranquilized and relocated from a Riverside neighborhood to a more remote location in southeast Idaho, away from neighborhoods and roads.  Idaho Fish and Game was not able to capture the third moose, a yearling, because it retreated from the area where tranquilizing wasn’t feasible.

Idaho Fish and Game has received several calls about moose wandering among houses, on roads, and near an elementary school in this part of Bingham County over the past
few weeks.

Most of the time, Idaho Fish and Game chooses to leave moose to find their way back to suitable habitats away from people. However, considering this was a female and her calf persisting for several days in a residential area and because of concern for public and wildlife safety, the decision was made to relocate the animals.

Though moose look awkward and clumsy, they are strong, quick animals known to charge people and pets, especially when protecting young.  If you encounter a moose on the trail or in your neighborhood, remember to give them plenty of space-- never approach moose, and keep your pets from doing the same.

Fish and Game wishes to thank the homeowners in this Riverside neighborhood for reporting these moose as well as for their patience and tolerance for these unique backyard visitors.