SULTAN, Wash. — A woman was injured in a bear encounter in Snohomish County on Tuesday morning, prompting a response from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, according to the Sultan Police Department.
Police said the woman, who lives in the 49400 block of Index Galena Road, was taking out the trash when she unexpectedly encountered a mother bear and her cub.
Police said the encounter resulted in an attack, and the victim was minorly injured by the bear’s claw. She was taken to the hospital for medical care.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is responding, police said, and the department urged the community to remain alert. The WDFW is searching for the mother bear and cub, and will make a plan once they assess the situation.
“If you see the bear or her cub, please stay indoors and do not attempt to approach, disturb, or interact with them,” the Sultan Police Department said.
Bear sightings should be reported to the Sultan Police Department non-emergency line at 425-407-3999 or to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at 360-902-2936, police said.