FERRY COUNTY, Wash. — A black bear injured a woman while she was hiking in Ferry County on Sunday.
According to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW), the incident happened on a trail near Mink Creek Road. The area's located about 15 miles southwest of Kettle Falls.
WDFW said the bear charged at the woman while she was hiking with her dogs. According to WDFW. the woman said she was hiking on private property when the dogs got between the two black bears.
WDFW said the bear, believed to be a female, chased the dogs back toward the woman, and the woman was injured
The victim was treated at a Spokane hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and released on Sunday.
WDFW said officers found and killed a black bear near the scene, but it was not the bear involved in the incident. Officers were not able to find the bear.
According to WDFW, black bears usually avoid people, but are naturally curious animals.
If you do run into a bear, WDFW shared these steps:
- Stand up
- Wave your hands above your head
- Talk in a low voice
- Back away slowly and be sure to avoid direct eye contact & don’t run away.
In addition, state officials says not to run away from a bear. They also recommend making noise and leashing pets while hiking.
People also need to be aware of their surroundings, according to WDFW, so as not to startle a bear by accident. Finally, they suggest carrying bear spray and know how to use it properly.