Bear spotted at Golden Gardens Park

by

A bear was spotted at the north end of Golden Gardens Park this week.

A member of the My Ballard Group on Facebook said she was on a run when she saw the bear (likely a black bear) on a trail just below View Ave NW.

Becky Elder, a representative from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), said they also received the report, and that it’s the only bear sighting in the area they’ve received in recent months.

My Ballard Group member Taylor shared her route and where she saw the bear at Golden Gardens

Elder said black bears are common throughout much of Washington, including suburban areas. While sightings are rare in Ballard, bears can occasionally venture into urban neighborhoods in search of food—especially in the spring and summer months when they are trying to regain calories lost during winter hibernation.

Back in 2009, a black bear was in the neighborhood, poking around people’s yards and hiding in trees. Wildlife officers were on its tail, but it disappeared before they could remove it from the area.

“Bears are looking for natural food sources like berries, but they’re often drawn into urban areas by the smell of garbage, pet food, birdseed, or fallen fruit,” Elder wrote in an email. “Once they discover a reliable human-related food source, they tend to return—and may lose their natural fear of humans.”

WDFW says that removing food attractants is the most effective way to prevent bear encounters. Relocating or removing a bear doesn’t solve the problem long-term if food sources remain available.

WDFW recommends the following:

  • Keep garbage secured indoors until pickup day
  • Remove bird feeders until late fall
  • Bring pet food inside
  • Clean up fallen fruit and thoroughly clean grills
  • Use electric fencing for livestock and poultry
  • Never feed bears or other wildlife

If you encounter a bear on your property, make your presence known by clapping loudly or making noise.

To report an emergency involving wildlife, dial 911. For non-emergency wildlife issues or possible violations, call WDFW at 877-933-9847 or submit a report online. You can also text tips to 847411 (TIP411).

Photo: Google Image Capture Sept. 22 on a path in Golden Gardens Park