Black Bears have been spotted doing a bit of "dumpster diving" in Wildwood Park area. Washington Fish and Wildlife will be setting up a trap in the area as well as City Parks employees will be securing the dumpsters in the area.
Bears are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are active in the dark hours of evening. They spend their time looking for food which is most often found in garbage cans, outside cat & dog food containers and bird feeders, they especially like the hummingbird feeders with the sweetened fluid inside.
Puyallup Police are asking residents to secure their trash cans, bring all dog & cat food containers inside and take down their bird feeders. Washington Fish and Wildife does not feel that there is a danger to the public or to children waiting at bus stops in the area. The bears normally migrate from Orting valley area and sometimes visit our area on their way to their winter dens.
If anyone sees a bear, they are asked to call 9-1-1 immediately and get indoors as well as bringing any pets inside until an officer can respond. Everyone is reminded to be cautious, bears are wild animals and can become aggressive if approached or harassed. They are preparing for winter and hibernation, so, they are looking for possible food sources, please be sure not to leave any people or pet food out for them.
If residents have any questions, they can contact the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department at 360-249-4268.