What should you do if you encounter a black bear while enjoying Whatcom’s outdoors?
Even though a Whatcom County jogger suffered non-life-threatening injuries after encountering a black bear Wednesday, Aug. 3, along a trail north of Lake Whatcom, black bear-human encounters are relatively rare in Washington state.
Before Wednesday’s encounter, there had not been an encounter that resulted in a documented injury since 2015, and only 18 had been recorded since 1970, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife reported in a news release about the incident.
The last black bear encounter that resulted in a person’s death was in 1974, according to the release.
“In general bears avoid people, but they’re naturally curious animals,” Thursday’s release states.
But if you are out in the wild and do encounter a bear, the WDFW offered these tips:
▪ Identify yourself by standing up, waving your hands above your head and speaking in a low voice.
▪ Back away from the bear and don’t make direct eye contact.
▪ Do not run away from a bear.
▪ Make noise when you are in the wilderness.
▪ Keep your pets on a leash.
▪ Be aware of your surroundings and make sure you do not startle a bear.
▪ Carry bear spray, making sure it is easily accessible and that you know how to use it.
The WDFW website also offers more information on living with black bears at wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/ursus-americanus#living.
This story was originally published August 4, 2022 at 2:20 PM.
