Effective Jan. 1, anyone hunting black bears in Idaho must show proof that they have passed a bear identification test to help them differentiate between grizzly bears and black bears. Both grizzly bears and black bears reside in portions of Idaho, so it is important to know their physical differences. Grizzlies are federally protected in Idaho, so there is no hunting season for them.

Brush up on your bear ID before taking the test

There are several physical features that can help you tell the difference between grizzly bears and black bears. No one feature alone should be used to determine which species of bear it is. Rather, a combination of features is most useful. Color and size are not reliable indicators.

Before you take the bear identification test, review these educational materials or go to our Bear Identification and Test Requirement webpage.

Because spotting bears in the wild can be challenging, especially for grizzlies, reviewing different bear photos of different ages and color types will help hunters see the differences – and similarities – between the two species. These training materials will highlight each characteristic one by one. Note that the test will not include educational materials.

After successfully completing a bear identification test, a hunter will be assigned a certificate number that hunters must provide when in the field. Fish and Game recommends hunters save a digital copy of the completed certificate and store the certificate number on their GoOutdoorsIdaho.com customer license account.

Certification from other states allowed

Idaho will recognize completed bear identification certificates from the Montana and Washington bear identification education programs. If you have received certification from either of those states, simply input that certification number.