Bear hunt continues after attack on Index-Galena Road

State fish and wildlife officers are searching for a bear that attacked a woman on the 49400 block of Index-Galena Road near U.S. 2 on Sunday morning. The incident occurred near the fork of the Skykomish River, close to trailheads for Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls.

Sultan police received the initial report of a resident encountering a mother bear and her cub. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife was notified around 7:50 a.m. regarding the attack on an adult woman.

Wildlife officials stated the bear knocked the woman down from behind. The animal then bit and clawed the woman while she was on the ground. The victim managed to reach her home, where she called for assistance.

Officers described the woman's injuries as serious but not life-threatening. She was transported to a hospital for medical attention.

State officers and Snohomish County deputies used dogs to track the bear on Sunday. The search efforts were unsuccessful, and the agency set a trap nearby. Wildlife police are expected to increase patrols in the area as they continue to locate the animal on Monday.

Sultan police urged residents to use caution in the area. The Department of Fish and Wildlife advised hikers to make noise and leash pets to avoid startling bears. The agency recommends carrying accessible bear spray and knowing how to use it. If a bear walks toward a person, they should stand up, wave their hands, talk in a low voice, and back away without making direct eye contact.

Residents can report bear encounters to the Sultan police non-emergency line at 425-407-3999 or to the Department of Fish and Wildlife at 360-902-2936.