A Washington woman was attacked by a black bear while taking out trash near her home this week, and the animal chased her as she ran away, according to The Cool Down. I read the report, which noted that a nearby bar had reported a bear sighting just a week before the attack.
The woman was not seriously injured, the outlet confirmed. The bear’s behavior is unusual for the species, which typically avoids human contact unless habituated to food sources like unsecured garbage or bird feeders.
Washington State has a growing black bear population, and conflicts increase in autumn when bears enter hyperphagia, a period of intense feeding to prepare for winter. Homeowners in bear country should secure trash cans with wildlife-proof lids and bring in pet food and bird feeders at night. If you see a bear in your yard, do not approach it; make noise to scare it away and give it a clear escape route. For more on recognizing wildlife in your yard, read about raccoon poop identification vs other animal droppings, since spotting signs of animal activity early can help you avoid surprise encounters.
If a bear attacks, do not play dead, fight back aggressively, focusing on the face and nose. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends reporting any bear that approaches humans or shows no fear of people. A possum playing dead in your yard is a different matter entirely; those creatures are harmless and will move on once they feel safe.
The notice is published by The Cool Down at www.thecooldown.com.
