DFW increases patrols after Lake Whatcom bear encounter

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – State officials are urging caution after a bear encounter was reported in Whatcom County.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says that a woman and her leashed dog were hiking on a trail north of Lake Whatcom late Saturday morning, Aug. 15. The hiker and her dog were on the Department of Natural Resources Olsen Creek road system outside of Bellingham at the time.

They came across a black bear in a forested part of the trail, but neither human nor dog sustained any injuries from the bear.

A spokesperson for DFW tells My Bellingham Now the woman was scratched up after retreating into nearby blackberry brush.

DFW officers and search dogs were unable to locate the bear, but increased patrols have been announced for the area in an effort to prevent potential attacks.