3 Redmond Bear Sightings Prompt Seasonal Safety Reminders

REDMOND, WA — Three reports of black bears spotted in Redmond last week have parks and recreation officials asking neighbors and hikers to keep aware of their surroundings and brush up on the proper ways to react if they spot one themselves.

A spokesperson for the city told Patch that a staffer and a neighbor reported a black bear in separate sightings near Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park last week. A third person reported seeing a mama bear and her cubs along the PSE Powerline Trail, just north of the park.

While bear sightings are common during this time of year, city officials said it is a good opportunity for residents and visitors to make sure they are up to speed on the best safety practices if they spot a black bear in the wild.

Here are a few tips from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife:

• Stop, remain calm, and assess the situation. If the bear seems unaware of you, move away quietly when it’s not looking in your direction. Continue to observe the animal as you retreat, watching for changes in its behavior.
• If a bear walks toward you, identify yourself as a human by standing up, waving your hands above your head, and talking to the bear in a low voice.
• Don’t throw anything at the bear, which the bear could interpret as a threat or a challenge.
• If you cannot safely move away from the bear or the bear continues toward you, scare it away by clapping your hands, stomping your feet, yelling, and staring the animal in the eyes. If you are in a group, stand shoulder-to-shoulder and raise and wave your arms to appear intimidating. The more it persists the more aggressive your response should be. If you have bear spray, use it.
• Do not run from the bear. Bears can run up to 35 mph and running may trigger an attack. Climbing a tree is generally not recommended as an escape from an aggressive black bear, as black bears are adept climbers and may follow you up a tree.

Since the three sightings last week, the city also posted additional signs around Farrel-McWhirter, including a few of the tips and a phone number to report sightings.

Learn more about black bears in Washington on the WDFW website.