Bear cubs sheltered in Lynnwood, mother euthanized after attack
Oct 25, 2022, 11:13 AM
Photo from KIRO 7
The Progressive Animal Welfare Society in Lynnwood is caring for two black bear cubs whose mother was euthanized after attacking a woman in Leavenworth on Saturday.
The woman had let out her dog at around 7:00 a.m. when an adult female bear charged her, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) said. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a local hospital.
Wildlife officers using a Karelian bear dog found and killed a sow later that morning. They captured two cubs, about 9 months old, and brought them to a wildlife rehabilitation facility.
“They both appear healthy. Both are approximately 9 months old. Both male,” said Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) spokesman Mick Szydlowski.
Washington wildlife agents kill black bear that hurt woman
They’re being kept in an area that replicates their surroundings in the wild.
“The bears are in these special enclosures. We call them the bear runs.” Although the bears can be monitored by video camera, Szydlowski says. “They are isolated from all human contact.”
Szydlowski says that’s because wildlife agents hope to release the cubs back into the wild this spring.
PAWS currently has three other black bears at its rehab center, which is located near the group’s dog and cat shelter in Lynnwood.
WDFW shared the following advice on minimizing the risk of injuries in an encounter with a bear:
In general bears avoid people, but they’re naturally curious animals. If they walk toward you, identify yourself as a human by standing up, waving your hands above your head, and talking in a low voice. Back away, avoiding direct eye contact. Don’t run from a bear. WDFW recommends making noise and leashing pets while hiking. Be aware of your surroundings as to not accidentally startle them. While recreating, WDFW recommends carrying bear spray that is readily accessible and knowing how to use it. More information on how to use bear spray is available on WDFW’s blog.”
KIRO 7 contributed to this report
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