A black bear was seen near this popular Puyallup trail. Here’s what we know so far
A black bear made an appearance on the Puyallup Loop Trail earlier this week.
The Puyallup Police Department posted on social media that they received a tip Monday afternoon about the bear walking near where the trail meets Clark’s Creek. The tipster also notified the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Puyallup Police Capt. Ryan Portmann told The News Tribune he doesn’t know if the tipster was on the trail or driving near it when the bear was spotted.
Portmann said bear sightings in Puyallup are unusual. He recalled a time a bear appeared at Wildwood Park a few years back.
He said it takes three or more bear sightings in a certain amount of time for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife to get involved — to bring a trailer out and set a trap.
Anyone who sees a bear in the city should report it as soon as possible, Portmann said.
Black bears rarely become aggressive when spotted, the police department said in the social media post. However, it’s best to avoid encountering them.
Those who encounter a bear must stand still and move away quietly. Running may trigger the bear to chase, according to the police department’s social media post.
Making oneself look bigger or creating loud noises could help scare a bear away. If a bear makes contact, fight back and don’t play dead. Bear spray can also help, according to the police department’s social media post.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include comments from a Puyallup Police Department spokesperson.
This story was originally published June 14, 2023 at 10:39 AM.
