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Black bears warning for Issaquah residents

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — The City of Issaquah released a playful reminder to residents that they live in “bear country,” as bears range farther into neighborhoods during mating season in June and July.

Issaquah is known for having neighborhood bear sightings, especially at homes near densely wooded areas.

The reminder consisted of a composite of clips from a nature camera near Tiger Mountain showing bears rubbing themselves against trees. However, the bear warning was unneeded at Farid Dedhar’s home after what happened a few weeks ago.

“It was about two o’clock at night, and we heard a noise,” he said.  “We thought it was someone trying to break in.  Police came and turns out it was a bear, a pretty big bear as I understand, going through our yard waste.”

Dedhar‘s neighbors said they have also seen messes bears have left behind recently, with bins tipped over and garbage scattered everywhere in the morning.  Wildlife experts say when your home is close to nature, like most of Issaquah is, bear sightings are inevitable.

Bear Awareness Week

Our wildlife camera caught a whole lotta scratchin' goin' on in the Tiger Mountain forest. Remember: Issaquah is 󾇁 country. #BearAwarenessWeek

Posted by City of Issaquah - Government on Friday, May 20, 2016

Fish and wildlife officials say natural foods for bears is scarce, leading the animals to search for easy sources of high-protein food.

Issaquah residents can guard themselves by keeping garbage cans in a garage or another secure area.

They should also remove pet food from areas accessible to wildlife and take down seed and hummingbird feeders until winter.

More tips can be found on the WDFW website; go to wdfw.wa.gov/living/bears.html#conflicts.

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