Science · Black bear encounterSnohomish bear attack: Woman injured while taking out trashAired October 26, 2026 at 12:21 AM UTCWritten October 26, 2026 at 12:30 AM UTCRead the write-upThis storyTranscript · LOADING0:07A mother black bear attacked a woman taking out her trash.0:09The woman suffered minor injuries and was taken for medical care.0:13Officials warned nearby residents to stay inside if they spot the mother and cub.0:17Where the bears ended up after wildlife officers responded is still unclear.0:21The woman encountered the bears near her home on Index, Galena Road, close to its0:24intersection with Highway Two.0:26That's in Snohomish County, where Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife0:29personnel responded.0:30Sultan Police said the woman was taking out her trash when she encountered the0:34mother black bear and her cub.0:35She needed medical attention, and her injuries were described as minor.0:39Officials tied their stay.0:41Inside warning to sightings of these two bears: If you see the mother and cub,0:44remain indoors.0:46Wildlife officers responded and searched for them after the encounter.0:49The encounter happened around seven fifty in the morning, but the weekday is0:53disputed.0:53With Sunday and Tuesday both given.0:55Sunday, October twenty-fifth, is the date attached to the police account.0:59The conflicting Tuesday timing hasn't been resolved.1:02The woman's injuries and the warning about spotting the bears are consistent.1:06Officials haven't said what triggered the attack.1:08Taking out the trash was the woman's ordinary household task when she encountered1:11the bears.1:12Black bears become more active in residential areas during the fall as they look for1:15food before winter.1:16Wildlife officials say garbage cans, bird feeders, and orchards can offer food that1:20draws their attention.1:22Black bears generally avoid people, and attacks are rare.1:25Washington has had roughly a couple dozen documented attacks across its history.1:29That approximate figure covers historical incidents.1:31Two teenagers were injured in a separate encounter on Mount Sea in June, when a1:35mother bear was protecting her cubs.1:37Bearwise advises keeping trash out of sight, smell, and reach.1:41Durable enclosures with multiple latches or automatic locking mechanisms can keep1:46bears from getting at the contents.1:47Those measures help households remove an accessible food source.1:51Cleaning trash containers frequently reduces odors.1:53Rinsing recyclables removes food residue.1:56These are preventive steps for households in bear country.1:58They're useful whether or not anyone has recently seen a bear nearby.2:01If you encounter a black bear, stand tall, wave your hands, and speak in a low2:05voice.2:06Back away slowly without direct eye contact.2:08Don't run or climb a tree, and don't approach or feed the bear.2:12Hikers should carry bear spray and know how to use it.2:14Keep pets leashed.2:16Those steps address avoiding and retreating from an encounter.2:19For anyone who spots this mother and cub, officials' instruction is to stay inside.2:24Officials asked people to report bear sightings to Snohomish County authorities or2:27the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.2:29Reports can help officers searching for the animals while residents keep their2:32distance.2:33Wildlife officers haven't announced where the mother and cub ended up or what2:37happened to them after the search.Explore with HeyDexFollow via RSSThe shortThe short ↗
