A Snohomish County woman was attacked by a mother bear outside her home on Sunday morning, according to authorities.
The woman encountered the black bear and her cub around 7:50 a.m. on Index-Galena Road, near the intersection with Highway 2. She was knocked to the ground as the bear attacked her from behind, officials from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said. The bear continued biting and clawing at her until she was able to make it home and call for help.
The woman was taken by medics to a local hospital to treat serious but not life- threatening injuries, according to Fish and Wildlife. Officials initially reported that the woman's injuries were minor.
Fish and Wildlife tried and failed to locate the bear, but set a trap and said they plan to increase monitoring near the site of the attack.
Officials encouraged the public to stay inside if they spot the bear and her cub.
In general, black bears are more active in residential areas in the fall, Fish and Wildlife officials said, and are especially interested in seeking out food in garbage cans, bird feeders and orchards as they prepare for winter.
Black bears tend to avoid people. But if you happen to encounter one, stand up tall, wave your hands and talk in a low voice, Fish and Wildlife advises. Don't run. Instead, back away slowly and avoid direct eye contact. Hikers should carry bear spray and keep pets leashed.
Attacks are rare, with roughly a couple dozen documented in state history, though there have been several reported in rural King and Whatcom counties in the past year. A mother bear was protecting her cubs in an encounter that injured two teens on Mount Si in June.
Officials asked people to report any bear sightings to the Snohomish County authorities by calling 425-407-3999 or to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at 360-902-2936.
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