On June 29, 2020 the City of Maple Valley Parks and Recreation Department is advised residents and businesses that a black bear and cub have been sighted recently in Lake Wilderness Park located at 22500 SE 248th Street. The Maple Valley Police Department and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) have been notified of this sighting. Since the bears are not exhibiting any aggressive behavior, the bear and her cub are permitted to roam freely without any action taken by either organization.
Bears are an important part of Washington State’s ecology and it is not uncommon that a bear would venture into a populated area such as Maple Valley. Black bears have large territories and this one will likely move on to another area, particularly if residents and businesses make food more difficult for them to locate. Bears tend to avoid humans. However, human-habituated bears are bears that, because of prolonged exposure to people, have lost their natural fear or wariness around people. Human-food-conditioned bears are those that associate people with food. Such bears can become aggressive in their pursuit of a meal. Do everything you can to avoid an encounter with any bear. Prevention is the best advice. We recommend residents and businesses follow these steps when encountering a bear:
•Report any bear sightings by calling 911 (City of Maple Valley Police Department)
•Stay calm if you encounter a bear – Do not run or get too close to the mother bear and cub.
•Make noise to be sure the bear knows that you are in close proximity.
•Do not approach the bear for any reason, especially with a cub nearby. Leave the area.
•Secure your trash and do not place dog, cat, or bird food in locations where the bear can access it. Bears have a great sense of smell and will be attracted to it.
For more Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) information on Living with Bears, visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/…/files/publications/00606/wdfw00606.pdf
