WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — According to a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) statement, WDFW officers received a report of an incident involving a person and a black bear on August 15, 2026, at about 10:50am.
The incident occurred on a trail in an area north of Lake Whatcom. An adult female was hiking with a dog on a leash at the time of the event.
According to WDFW, officers used dogs to search for the black bear involved in the incident. Officers did not locate the animal and plan to monitor the area with patrols.
WDFW officials provided the following guidance for encounters with bears:
- identify as a human by standing, waving hands overhead, and speaking in a low voice if an animal approaches
- back away and avoid eye contact
- do not run
- make noise and keep pets on leashes while hiking
- monitor surroundings to prevent startling an animal
- carry accessible bear spray and know how to use it
Discover more from Whatcom News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.