On Monday, Sept. 14 at approximately 11:30 a.m., Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officers received a report of a human-black bear incident that occurred the evening prior on the property of a residence outside of Bellingham in Whatcom County. An adult male and a minor child sustained injuries and were treated at a local hospital.
Officers are attempting to trap the animal. WDFW Police will continue to monitor the area with increased patrols.
Bear safety guidance from WDFW
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.
