Bellingham bear attack injures man and child

A man and a child sustained injuries following a black bear attack on a property outside of Bellingham, Washington, on a Sunday evening. The victims were treated at a local hospital.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has increased patrols in the area and has set traps to locate the animal. Recent bear activity has been reported along the north shore of Lake Whatcom. This incident follows a separate encounter on August 15, where a woman met a black bear on a trail near the same lake.

WDFW officials advise residents to secure food sources such as trash cans, pet food, and bird feeders to reduce human-wildlife conflict. When encountering bears, officials recommend identifying yourself as a human by standing up, waving your hands, and speaking in a low voice, while avoiding direct eye contact and never running.