MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Dry weather could lead to more bear sightings

Aug 11, 2017, 4:06 PM | Updated: 4:08 pm

bear, bears...

(KIRO 7)

(KIRO 7)

Western Washington’s current dry stretch could lead to more bear sightings in Western Washington later this month, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

RELATED: Seattle has never experienced this many days without rain

Washington is currently experiencing an extended period without rain.

Bears eat a lot of grass in the spring, but that’s now dried up. They are focused on blackberries this time of year but when the berries are gone, it is possible the dry weather will keep other plants from bearing fruit, according to Sgt. Kim Chandler.

Chandler says there have been about 530 bear sightings and nuisance calls so far this year, it’s up a little bit from last year. It’s what we could see at the end of August and into September and October that has him asking residents to take down their bird feeders and secure their trash if they haven’t already.

“It’s a people problem, not a bear problem,” Chandler said.

He said people really need to pay attention to neighborhood social media reports and if there is a known bear in the area, residents need to put garbage cans in the garage and take down the bird feeders.

MyNorthwest News

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 20...

Micki Gamez, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

Seattle tourism dollars break records following All-Star Week, Taylor Swift

It was a record-setting year for dollars flowing into Seattle from tourists.

8 minutes ago

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

2 hours ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

2 hours ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

3 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

6 hours ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone and Bill Kaczaraba

‘Kia Boyz’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

7 hours ago

Dry weather could lead to more bear sightings