Black bear spotted near I-5 in Everett
EVERETT, Wash. -- A black bear was spotted along I-5 Monday, and was quickly followed by two more sightings.
The bear was last seen in a greenbelt near Scenic Road and Grant Drive in Everett. Wildlife officers are now in the area looking for the bear that just came out of hibernation.
"The bears are certainly waking up this time of year and apparently this one went to the wrong direction," said Jennifer Maurstad with the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Department.
The bear was first spotted Monday morning west of I-5 in Everett, crossing Broadway, into a greenbelt. Officers received three calls.
"I've lived in this area for over 13 years and to hear ther's a bear in the area that they haven't caught yet, it's kind of a shock," said resident Shannon Pichler.
It's not the first time a bear has been spotted near I-5. Last April in Stanwood, another bear hung out along the median, causing drivers to do double takes. He was captured in a trap, thanks to doughnuts, bacon grease, and honey.
Officers believe the Everett bear is heading west because he smells garbage. Officers remind residents to keep your cans empty or indoors and stop feeding pets outside. Bears are hungry when they awake from hibernation and can smell at least a half-mile away. Officers also recommend you remove bird feeders as they are attractive to bears.
"There's really no cause for alarm," Maurstad said. "They don't want to see us anymore than you don't want to see them."
The search has concluded for Monday and wildlife agents are now in a wait-and-see mode. If you see the bear, call 911.
The bear was last seen in a greenbelt near Scenic Road and Grant Drive in Everett. Wildlife officers are now in the area looking for the bear that just came out of hibernation.
"The bears are certainly waking up this time of year and apparently this one went to the wrong direction," said Jennifer Maurstad with the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Department.
The bear was first spotted Monday morning west of I-5 in Everett, crossing Broadway, into a greenbelt. Officers received three calls.
"I've lived in this area for over 13 years and to hear ther's a bear in the area that they haven't caught yet, it's kind of a shock," said resident Shannon Pichler.
It's not the first time a bear has been spotted near I-5. Last April in Stanwood, another bear hung out along the median, causing drivers to do double takes. He was captured in a trap, thanks to doughnuts, bacon grease, and honey.
Officers believe the Everett bear is heading west because he smells garbage. Officers remind residents to keep your cans empty or indoors and stop feeding pets outside. Bears are hungry when they awake from hibernation and can smell at least a half-mile away. Officers also recommend you remove bird feeders as they are attractive to bears.
"There's really no cause for alarm," Maurstad said. "They don't want to see us anymore than you don't want to see them."
The search has concluded for Monday and wildlife agents are now in a wait-and-see mode. If you see the bear, call 911.