On Sunday, Oct. 25, at approximately 7:50 a.m., Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officers received a report of a human-black bear incident that occurred near an Index residence in Snohomish County.
An adult female was walking her leashed dog in her backyard earlier that morning when a black bear attacked from behind, knocking her to the ground. The bear continued to pursue the woman, biting and clawing at her while she was on the ground. She was able to make it into her residence and call authorities. She was transported by medics to a local hospital and will be staying overnight to receive aid for the serious but non-life-threatening injuries she sustained from the bear.
Snohomish County deputies along with WDFW officers responded to the scene. Two black bears had been seen in the area, one large adult and one younger bear, possibly a sow with a cub. WDFW officers, with the aid of dogs, attempted to locate the animal but were unsuccessful. A trap was set near the incident, and WDFW police will continue to monitor the area with increased patrols.
WDFW officials offer the following advice to minimize the risk of injury if a bear is encountered:
In general, bears avoid people, but they are naturally curious animals. If a bear walks toward you, identify yourself as a human by standing up, waving your hands above your head, and talking in a low voice. Back away, avoiding direct eye contact. Do not run from a bear. WDFW recommends making noise and leashing pets while hiking. Be aware of your surroundings so as not to accidentally startle a bear. While recreating, WDFW recommends carrying bear spray that is readily accessible and knowing how to use it. More information on how to use bear spray is available on WDFW's blog.
In the fall, black bears may be especially drawn to human-provided attractants like garbage cans, pet and livestock food, bird feeders, orchards, and barbeque grills as they prepare for winter. You can help keep bears wild and reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflict by securing attractants at your home or on your property. Learn more at wdfw.wa.gov/blackbears.
This content is sourced from
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
. It reflects the author's views and has not been edited by our newsroom. It may have been generated using AI assistance.
