Horseback rider discovers ‘cut up’ hiker after bear encounter on Whatcom County trail

A hiker is now recovering after being chased by a black bear along a trail north of Lake Whatcom in Whatcom County on Saturday.

KIRO 7 spoke with Janie Reopelle, who was riding a horse with two others nearby when the encounter occurred.

“I honestly am surprised I didn’t hear any screaming,” Reopelle said.

Reopelle explained how her horse noticed that something was amiss when they were making their way down the mountain.

Reopelle found a woman and her husband at the bottom and was cut up from stumbling, but the bear didn’t scratch or bite her.

“She was all cut up. We’re like, ‘Are you OK?’ She said she was just startled that the bear was coming up the hill in the brush. She was running down the mountain, down the service road, and it crossed paths with her,” Reopelle told KIRO 7.

WDFW officers and tracking dogs attempted to locate the bear but were unsuccessful. Officers continue to monitor the immediate area where the bear was seen with increased patrols.

WDFW urges hikers to carry bear spray, leash pets

Officials noted that bears tend to avoid people in general, but they are naturally curious animals. If a bear walks toward you, it is advised that you identify yourself as a human by standing up, waving your hands above your head, and talking in a low voice.

People should also back away, avoid direct eye contact, and never run away from a bear. WDFW also recommended making noise and leashing pets while hiking.

Officials also advised being aware of your surroundings to not accidentally startle a bear. It is also recommended that people carry bear spray that is readily accessible and know how to use it while recreating.

Additional information on how to use bear spray is available here.