Black bear and two cubs spotted near popular trail in Lake Stevens



LAKE STEVENS, Wash. --- Snohomish Parks officials have received a report of a black bear and her two cubs spotted near the Centennial Trail in Lake Stevens.

It was reported Monday by someone on the trail.

State Department of Fish and Wildlife Capt. Alan Myers says this is the time of year that bears begin to wake up and head down out of the mountains in search of food.

"Females and cubs will start foraging and so are males that are trying to find that high protein source of food," Myers said.

Snohomish Parks says this is the first sighting in Snohomish County this spring.  King County has had several sightings reported so far.  The bears like to roam in suburban areas because it provides an easy food source like trash.

"Make sure that your trash is secure, preferably in an enclosed area like a shed that locks and shuts and is bear-proof or against large animals that's going to try to get in there," Myers said.

The Centennial Trail is 30 miles long, running from Snohomish to Arlington.  Fish and Wildlife says if you encounter a bear, don't panic.

"Its important when they do encounter wildlife, whether it be a large bear or another carnivore, that they don't run.  The key is to not panic and run.  The key is quietly and calmly let the bear know you're there."