EVERETT — No, it’s not the Urban Phantom.
State wildlife experts believe the bear that recently roamed Seattle probably made its way out of town and is not the same one seen here overnight Wednesday.
On Thursday afternoon, police were looking for a bear or several bears spotted in central Everett.
Another sighting was reported Thursday night at Broadway and Madison Street.
“To see a bear in Ballard is unusual and people get excited,” said Lora Leschner, wildlife program manager at the state’s Fish and Wildlife office in Mill Creek. “But in Snohomish County we have more streams and wildlife corridors that bring animals into urban areas.”
Young black bears, many newly separated from their mothers, are out looking for a meal. The berries they like to eat aren’t on the vine yet, sending them into neighborhoods where they find birdseed, pet food and garbage.
“Then there’s the issue of development,” she said. “Some of these bears go into hibernation and when they wake up they have a strip mall in their front yard.”
Three separate bear reports were called into Everett police early Thursday. One animal was reported to be larger than 300 pounds, Sgt. Robert Goetz said.
The first two sightings were around Madison and Fleming streets about midnight, he said. The third report came in at about 2 a.m. in the 8400 block of Broadway.
Wildlife biologists are expecting the Everett bear soon to make a beeline for the woods but are keeping an eye on the local sightings. As long as bears stay out of trouble, Fish and Wildlife doesn’t expect to get involved, Leschner said.
“In the meantime, people need to work together to discourage the bears. Manage your garbage and don’t feed them,” Leschner said. “Bears are omnivores, but we want them eating a natural diet, not stuff from unsecured dumpsters.”
A bear visited Steve Wright’s back yard on 61st Street SE before midnight Wednesday. His neighbor called to alert him.
His wife’s bird feeder was full of seed that evening but by Thursday morning the feeder was empty.
“I guess the bear wasn’t interested in the garbage that was out on the street for pickup, but had a craving for a birdseed snack,” Wright said.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427, gfiege@heraldnet.com.
Bear necessities
Hungry bears can roam for miles looking for food. Here’s how to stay safe and protect the bears:
n Put away bird feeders during summer months. Secure garbage and compost. Pick up dropped fruit under trees and never leave pet food out in the open.
n Black bears don’t pose a great danger. If you encounter a bear, stay calm. Don’t make eye contact. Stand up, wave your arms, talk in a low voice and move away slowly.
n If you spot a bear, call state Fish and Wildlife agents between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, at 425-775-1311 or call 911. More information is available from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife at wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/blkbear/dosdonts.htm or wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/ living/bears.htm.
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