Black bear injures teen on Washington trail
Officials closed trails and searched for the bear after a mother with a cub charged hikers and scratched a teenage boy, according to wildlife officials.
Bear specialist Rich Beausoleil shares some important safety tips that can help protect you from bear encounters.
A teenage boy was attacked by a bear while hiking in a recreation area in Washington state on Tuesday, prompting trail closures.
Three hikers were about 2.7 miles up the Mount Si trail, located about 30 miles southeast of Seattle, when a black bear charged them, swiped at one of them and caused minor injuries, according to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).
King County Search and Rescue (KCSAR) transported the victim to receive help, with assistance from Fish and Wildlife Police Officers. The boy was then taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Seattle Mountain Rescue noted that the mother bear was traveling with her cubs, describing the incident as a “rare encounter.” A second group of hikers also reported they were followed by a black bear for several miles, saying they saw a second smaller bear upon exiting the trail, according to the WDFW.
File: Black bear sow and cubs, July 14, 2009. Copper Center, Alaska (Photo by Jessica Matthews/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
After the incident, the trail was promptly closed while Fish and Wildlife Officers conducted a search, but they could not find either bear.
According to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Mount Si, as well as Little Si and Mount Teneriffe Trails and Trailheads, were temporarily closed. WDFW officials said the trails were to reopen Thursday, June 18, at 8 a.m. PDT.
The only reported fatal bear attack in Washington State was in 1974, officials noted. Since 1970, 20 human-black bear encounters that resulted in injury have been reported.
Bear sign, hike with caution sign. (Photo by Jena Ardell/Getty Images)
Other recent bear incidents this spring include a grizzly bear encounter in Montana's Glacier National Park in May, marking the second attack in the park that month.
Wildlife officials are reminding people how to respond when they encounter a bear in the wild. Wave your hands above your head and talk in a low voice to identify yourself as a human, then back away, avoiding direct eye contact. Never run from a bear, and make sure pets are leashed.
Hikers are also encouraged to carry bear spray and know how to use it, if necessary.
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