Black Bear Spotted in Woodinville

A black bear was seen Tuesday near Crystal Lake in the Woodinville/Maltby area. The bear was walking through her friend's yard, according to Penny Kjelgaard.

"My friend is concerned because the state land is nearby and many walking trails are there," Kjelgaard said.

Here are safety tips from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW):

• Never intentionally feed bears or other wild animals.
• Keep garbage cans in a garage or another secure area until collection day.
• Remove pet food from areas accessible to wildlife.
• Thoroughly clean barbecue grills after each use.
• Take down birdfeeders until later in summer.
• When camping, keep a clean campsite by thoroughly cleaning all cooking utensils after use and sealing uneaten food in airtight containers stored in bear-proof canisters away from sleeping areas.

In the event of an actual encounter with a bear, WDFW offers the following advice:

• Don’t run.
• Pick up small children.
• Stand tall, wave your arms above your head and shout.
• Do not approach the animal and be sure to leave it an escape route.
• Try to get upwind of the bear so that it can identify you as a human and leave the area.

For more information, click here.

Report a potentially dangerous wild animal to the Washington State Dept of Fish and Wildlife Dangerous Animal Hotline at 1-800-477-6224. Call 911 for all emergencies.