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Spring Black Bear Reminder

Good afternoon,

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is again reminding the public to be aware of black bears, which have been active throughout the state this spring. We would appreciate any help sharing this messaging!

Black bears are common throughout most of Washington, including suburban areas and in greenbelts near cities and towns. As Washington’s human population grows, people and bears have greater chances of encountering each other.

When preparing for hibernation in the fall and after waking in the spring, bears look for high-calorie, easy-to-find food sources. If bears get used to finding high-calorie food in an area, they will keep coming back. The best way to encourage them to move along and focus on natural food sources is by removing potential attractants:

  • Keep your garbage and recycling locked up until trash day. To help reduce odors, freeze meat and fish waste before disposing of it.
  • Take down seed and liquid bird feeders, and pick fruit trees.
  • Clean your barbecue grill after each use and store it in a secure area.
  • Feed pets inside if possible, or only put out a single serving and remove food and bowls when they’re done eating.
  • Store all pet, livestock, and human food where bears can’t smell or see it. Never intentionally feed bears or allow them to be comfortable around people — this can cause problems for both bears and people.

Black bears are generally non-aggressive and non-confrontational. As with all wildlife, it’s important to keep a safe distance from bears and give them plenty of space. Supervise your pets when they go outside. Keep dogs leashed when hiking, and don’t allow them to chase, lunge at, or approach bears.

Here are a few tips for what to do if you encounter a black bear:

  • If the bear appears unaware of you, stay calm and move away quietly when it’s not looking. If it sees you, back away slowly.
  • If the bear approaches, stand tall, wave your hands above your head, and talk to the bear in a low voice.
  • If the bear continues approaching, clap, stomp, and yell. Use bear spray, aiming for the bear’s face (and slightly downward), when the bear is within 20-30 feet of you. Don’t run. This encourages bears to chase, and black bears can run up to 35 mph. They’re also great climbers, so climbing a tree is not recommended.
  • In the unlikely event of a black bear attack, fight back with anything available to you and use your bear spray.

For more information, visit wdfw.wa.gov/blackbears.

Resources available: