Wandering bear startles Washington resident looking out window. ‘Uncommon’ sighting
A Washington resident was looking out their window when they saw an unusual sight — a young black bear roaming around the yard.
They snapped a photo of the animal from inside their home on May 31 in Oak Harbor, which is a city on Whidbey Island, the Island County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.
Deputies said it’s “uncommon” to see bears on the island, although there have been reports of the animal in the past.
It occasionally happens, given how close the island is to the mainland, Chase Gunnell, a spokesperson for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, told McClatchy News by email.
The young bear likely swam to the island to look for new territory or mates, especially given June and July are peak months for mating, Gunnell said.
Black bears are also “excellent swimmers,” he said.
“While the bear may stay on the island, it may also return to the mainland, where the likelihood of finding a mate is higher,” Gunnell said.
Bear sightings in general aren’t uncommon in Washington.
There are about 20,000 black bears in the state, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
They are typically found in forested areas, but they can also be found in the “open country” and suburban areas, wildlife officials said.
Whidbey Island is about 35 miles northwest of Seattle.
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
This story was originally published June 2, 2023 at 4:22 PM with the headline "Wandering bear startles Washington resident looking out window. ‘Uncommon’ sighting."
