Washington Officers Continue Search for Bear After Woman Is Injured Near Index

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officers were still trying on Monday to locate a bear that injured a woman near Index, a day after the animal knocked her down and bit her. The search for the animal continued after tracking dogs used by state officers and Snohomish County deputies on Sunday failed to locate the bear.

Sultan police officers responded to the 49400 block of Index-Galena Road near U.S. 2 after a resident encountered a mother bear and her cub, according to a social media post from the police department. The state agency received notification around 7:50 a.m. on Sunday that an adult woman had been attacked by a bear. Fish and wildlife officials said the bear knocked the woman down from behind before biting and clawing at her while she was on the ground.

The woman reached her home and called for help. Officers described her injuries as serious but not life-threatening, and she was taken to a hospital. A trap was set near the area, and wildlife police planned to increase patrols. A spokesperson for the agency said on Monday that officers were still attempting to locate the animal.

The incident occurred near the fork in the Skykomish River and trailheads for Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls. Sultan police urged residents to use caution in the area.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife advised people to stand up, wave their hands above their heads, and talk in a low voice if a bear walks toward them, then back away without direct eye contact and without running. The agency also recommended making noise, leashing pets while hiking, and carrying bear spray that is readily accessible. Bear encounters can be reported to the Sultan police non-emergency line at 425-407-3999 or to the Department of Fish and Wildlife at 360-902-2936.