On Sunday, Sept. 6, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Police received a report of a human-black bear incident that occurred at a private residence outside of Ione in Pend Oreille County.
An adult female was outside her residence when a black bear ran toward her and swiped at her, making contact. The woman was able to retreat inside her house without further incident, and the bear ran off. The woman received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital.
Later that day, WDFW Police officers located and lethally removed a black bear near the scene that matched the physical characteristics from the victim’s report.
Bear safety guidance from WDFW
WDFW officials offer the following advice to minimize the risk of injury in the event of a bear encounter:
In general, black 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.
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.
