IONE, Wash. — People in northeast Pend Oreille County are growing increasingly concerned about bear sightings this summer as encounters have intensified beyond typical levels.
Roy and Nicki March captured video of a black bear in their backyard from their home camera. “There has been a lot of sightings in our place and the neighbors, both sides of us,” Roy March said.
The situation escalated when a black bear attacked a woman outside her home last weekend. The Marches are neighbors with the victim. “It was after her, it wasn’t just a swat and we’re done. It was going in to get her,” Nicki March said of the encounter. That bear had to be put down. Earlier this summer, a mother bear and two cubs were also killed near Metaline.
Nicki March described the frequency of encounters near their property. “A couple of weeks ago up by our barn when I was walking up one was going across about a hundred yards up, and we were having bears all over,” she said.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife attributes the increased activity to bears preparing for fall hibernation by adding fat to their bodies. Janet Sullivan, the mayor of Metaline, said this year has been particularly bad for huckleberries — a major part of a bear’s diet this season.
Roy March explained how the food shortage has altered bear behavior. “It’s kind of pushed them down here in the valleys where there was a lot more fruit trees and things like that. People with garbage out, cat food, dog foods out, things like that to attract them,” he said.
Sullivan said a permit from Fish and Wildlife was issued this week to allow the use of hound dogs to chase bears and keep them out of town. If you encounter a bear, Fish and Wildlife recommends avoiding eye contact and backing away slowly.
Residents should take preventive measures to reduce attractants around their properties, including securing garbage, removing bird feeders during bear season, and storing pet food indoors. These steps can help discourage bears from approaching homes and reduce the likelihood of dangerous encounters.
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