WDFW statement Sept. 1, 2024
Updated Sept. 2 at 12 p.m.
On Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Officers received a report of a human-black bear incident with documented injuries on private property near Mink Creek Road in Ferry County. A female victim and her dogs were hiking when she was charged by a black bear.
During an interview with WDFW Officers, the victim reported she was hiking with her dogs on private property when her dogs got between two black bears. A bear, believed to be a female, chased the dogs back toward the victim, and then the black bear charged her resulting in non-life-threatening injuries. She was treated and released from a Spokane hospital on Sept. 1.
On Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, WDFW Officers, with assistance from the Stevens/Ferry Counties Wildlife Specialist and houndsmen, located and lethally removed an approximately 120-pound black bear near the scene. At the time of removal, the team believed the black bear was the female bear involved in the incident - it was determined after removal it was a male bear.
After the initial removal, the team made additional efforts to locate the female black bear. Those efforts were unsuccessful, and the operations are suspended at the landowner’s request. Officers donated the black bear meat to the U.S. Air Force.
WDFW officials offer the following advice to minimize the risk of injury if a bear is encountered:
In general, black bears avoid people, but they’re naturally curious animals. If a bear walks 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 a bear. 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.
Media contact: communications@dfw.wa.gov