Black bear spotted along I-5 near Stanwood

Published 10:23 pm Wednesday, April 22, 2009

STANWOOD — A big, black bear was spotted this week munching on grass on the wooded median along I-5.

The 200-pound adult bear probably lives east of the freeway and wandered onto the median to feed, said Sgt. Randy Lambert of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“It’s just eating the grass that grows along the freeway. It’s very nutritious right now,” he said.

Lambert has set up a trap to catch the bear, using doughnuts as bait.

A motorist Sunday first spotted the bear on the median between northbound and southbound I-5 and alerted officials, Lambert said. There have been other sightings since then.

Fish and Wildlife officers believe the same bear was in the area last year. Officers tried to catch the animal but weren’t successful.

The bear, which was seen about 30 to 40 feet away from the lanes, could cause a serious accident by wandering onto the freeway, Lambert said.

People should pay special attention when driving in the area, Lambert said. They should not stop to look for the bear or tamper with the trap. “They should just be aware that wildlife can be anywhere,” he said. “Animals are not car smart.”