SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — A woman was seriously injured in a black bear attack near Index on Sunday morning, and wildlife officers killed two bears in town two days later after receiving reports of bears near garbage, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said.
The woman was walking her leashed dog in her backyard when a bear attacked her from behind and knocked her to the ground, according to the department.
The bear bit and clawed her as she lay on the ground. She made it inside her home and called authorities.
Medics took her to a hospital, where she was treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. She was released Tuesday.
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Snohomish County deputies and WDFW officers responded Sunday. Two bears, one adult and one younger bear, possibly a sow and cub, had been seen in the area. Officers used dogs to search for the animals but could not find them. They set a trap nearby.
On Tuesday, WDFW officers and wildlife conflict specialists responded to reports of an adult bear and a juvenile in a tree behind a business in Index. About 20 minutes earlier, someone had reported bears digging through garbage cans at a nearby home. Officers saw trash beneath the tree and killed both bears. The animals will be tested for disease.
WDFW said state policy requires the agency to kill bears involved in attacks. Bears that become accustomed to human food may lose their fear of people and return to the same areas, the department said. Relocating bears that have become habituated to human food is often unsuccessful.
The department advises people to secure garbage and other bear attractants, including pet food, bird feeders and barbecue grills.
If a bear approaches, stand up, wave your arms and speak in a low voice. Back away without making direct eye contact, and don’t run.
WDFW also recommends keeping pets leashed and carrying accessible bear spray while outdoors.