With human populations continuing to expand into
traditional black bear and cougar habitat, combined
with an increased bear and cougar population, human
conflicts with wildlife are inevitable. When human
conflicts occur, citizens regularly call WDFW offices
seeking assistance.
Conflicts between people and cougars and bears are
increasing dramatically. The number of confirmed
cougar and black bear complaints reported to the Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife by the public has
increased by 31% since 2003. WDFW received 382 confirmed
cougar and 448 confirmed bear complaints in 2005.
With the complaints come more property damage, livestock,
and pet killings and human safety issues.
WDFW enforcement program is responsible for responding
and assisting the public regarding solutions to human/dangerous
wildlife complaints.
WDFW
Enforcement officers in the process of responding
to and immobilizing problem black bear and cougar
Black
Bear
This bear was a 1 1/2 year old male black
bear who was rummaging through garbage
cans for food in late December, 1999.
He was captured in the culvert trap 3
blocks from downtown Issaquah, Washington.
Officers Macrae and Overly transported
the bear to the Cascade Mountains where
they constructed a makeshift den for him
prior to his release.
Officer Chandler darting black bear
with tranquilizer as WDFW veterinarian
Doctor Briggs Hall looks on.
Officer Chandler and Dr. Hall attach
numbered ID tag to bear's ear.
Cougar
This 124 pound, 1 1/2 year old male
cougar was captured in Kent, Washington
in a heavily populated neighborhood. The
cougar had been treed in a western cedar
by the property owners dog. The cougar
was tranquilized, ear tagged, radio collared
and relocated to an undisclosed location
in the Cascade Mountain range.
Same cougar in trap. Notice his ear position...
This means watch out!
The cougar's future locations will be
monitored and recorded. He will most likely
encounter one or more adult male cougar
who will fight to defend and keep their
territory.
Sometimes we use hounds to track the cougar
and bear for relocation.....these are
2 of the best!
