Bear seen wandering I-5 median; agents set stinky traps

STANWOOD, Wash. (AP) — Wildlife agents are trying to trap a black bear seen wandering a wooded median on Interstate 5 near Stanwood.

The Daily Herald newspaper of Everett reports that the last few days have brought a steady stream of calls from people reporting they'd seen the bear in the median, a swath of a grass, cedar and pine between the between the north- and southbound lanes.

Department of Fish and Wildlife officials say the situation is dangerous for the bear as well as drivers, who could become distracted and cause an accident.

The trap is set in a large section of culvert pipe atop a trailer, and is designed to swing shut with a tug on the bait bag inside. Sgt. Jennifer Maurstad prepared the bait: rotting fish, apples and bananas, as well as fruit tarts.