Index bear hunt: WDFW seeks animal that mauled hiker
State officers and Snohomish County deputies continue tracking a bear that injured a woman on Sunday near U.S. 2, with patrols expected to expand this week.
By Javier Sanders ·
The search for a bear that attacked a hiker near Index has entered its second day, with state officials still unable to locate the animal. The incident occurred Sunday morning on the 49400 block of Index-Galena Road, close to the U.S. 2 corridor and the Skykomish River fork.
Sultan police responded to the scene after a resident reported encountering a mother bear and her cub. A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife release stated that officials received the initial alert at 7:50 a.m. The agency described the sequence of events, noting that the bear knocked the woman down from behind. While she was on the ground, the animal bit and clawed at her.
The woman managed to reach her home, where she contacted emergency services. Officers classified her injuries as serious but not life-threatening. She was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The bear's presence in the area is notable because the location is near trailheads for popular hikes to Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls.
Efforts to capture the animal on Sunday proved difficult. State fish and wildlife officers, working alongside Snohomish County deputies, utilized tracking dogs but failed to find the bear. A trap was set in the vicinity, and a WDFW spokesperson confirmed on Monday that officers are still attempting to locate the animal. The department expects to increase patrol frequency in the area.
Sultan police have urged residents to exercise caution when moving through the neighborhood. They recommended using the non-emergency line at 425-407-3999 or the WDFW at 360-902-2936 to report sightings. The department provided specific guidance for those who encounter a bear. Hikers should stand up, wave their hands, and speak in a low voice to identify themselves as human. They should back away without making direct eye contact and avoid running.
Officials also advised hikers to make noise and keep pets leashed to avoid startling bears. Carrying readily accessible bear spray is recommended, along with knowing how to deploy it. These measures aim to reduce the risk of injury in an area where human and bear activity overlap.
