Grizzly spotted in Idaho in May hasn’t been seen since

SALMON — A grizzly bear that was photographed last month by a trail camera near the Idaho-Montana state line north of here hasn’t been spotted since.

The bear was photographed at a baiting site May 23. Toby Boudreau of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game said as of Wednesday, the bear had not returned to the bait station and the agency hasn’t received any additional reports of grizzly bears in the area.

Last week, the agency advised black bear hunters in Idaho hunting units 21, 21A and 30 to carefully identify their targets before they shoot. Grizzly bears are protected by the Endangered Species Act and cannot be hunted or otherwise harmed.

New fishing license rules put in place for Washington anglers

OLYMPIA — People pursuing freshwater smelt, crawfish and carp will now need a fishing license in Washington state.

Gov. Jay Inslee signed new legislation requiring Washington fishers to possess a recreational fishing license for the three species. The law took effect Thursday.

According to a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife news release, the change aims to improve fishing regulation compliance. It will also make it easier for the agency to communicate information on appropriate gear, seasons and species-specific limits, particularly in areas where fish listed under the Endangered Species Act or state Species of Greatest Conservation Need are present.

“As Washington’s population grows and recreational fishing activity increases, we often feel the strain on our natural resources,” said Kelly Cunningham, Fish Program Director with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “A fishing license requirement can help promote sustainable fishing practices while safeguarding endangered species.”

Washington fishing or shellfishing licenses will be required to fish for freshwater smelt and crawfish. A fishing license is also required to fish for carp, except for Moses Lake and Vancouver Lake, where carp fishing is exempt from this requirement. Temporary licenses are valid.

Lewis-Clark Wildlife Club plans shooting event next weekend

LAPWAI — The Lewis-Clark Wildlife Club will host a civilian marksmanship program and modern military rifle match Saturday at its shooting range near here.

The match starts at 9 a.m. and will last until about noon. Competitors will use the 18-bench side of the range during the match, but the six-bench side will remain available to nonmatch shooters. The entire range will be open once the match concludes.

Member of Grouse Flats wolf pack dies

A member of the Grouse Flats wolf pack died after being captured, according to a report from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Biologists from the agency captured and placed radio collars on two members of the pack this spring. One of them died. A necropsy (post mortem examination) revealed the wolf had a “markedly reduced intestinal length consistent with rare reports of congenital small bowel syndrome in domestic dogs” and a low body weight and condition. The report said it is unclear if the animal’s shortened intestinal track and poor condition contributed to its death.