Beware: Bear Sighting At Issaquah City Park

ISSAQUAH, WA - It's not an uncommon sight around Issaquah, but it never hurts to be aware. A young black bear was spotted out in the open at Tibbetts Valley Park on Wednesday. The person who encountered the bear was able capture a brief video of the encounter.

Bears, of course, love easy food, so it's not surprising the young bear would gravitate toward a city park with trash cans. And Tibbetts Valley Park might be slightly more susceptible due to its sports fields and proximity to wilderness.

The city sent an email out to residents on Wednesday reminding them how to be bear-safe:

• 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.
• Take down seed and hummingbird birdfeeders until winter.
• Clean up fallen fruit.
• Thoroughly clean barbecue grills after each use.

And, if you should see a bear:

• Do not run from the animal.
• 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.

Image via YouTube.com