A black bear turned a quiet Bothell neighborhood into its personal shortcut on Thursday, startling residents as it wandered through yards before slipping back into nearby brush. A short video that circulated online shows the animal moving through backyards and along the edge of a tree line before it disappears from view.
Bear captured on video
According to KIRO 7 News Seattle, the station received the clip Thursday and posted it to its site. The short footage shows the bear walking through yards and pausing near driveways as neighbors filmed from a distance. The station's post also prompted reminders about wildlife safety around homes.
Why bears visit neighborhoods
Per the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, "Bears usually avoid people, but conflicts can arise especially when black bears become habituated to human-provided food sources." The agency notes that black bears are common across Washington and often use suburban greenbelts and creek corridors when foraging.
How neighbors can reduce repeat visits
Wildlife groups recommend cutting down on anything that might tempt a curious bear. That includes securing garbage in closed or bear-resistant containers, taking down bird feeders while bears are active, cleaning grills after use and avoiding leaving pet food outdoors. BearWise lists those same At-Home basics and urges neighbors to alert each other when a bear is seen.
What to do if you see a bear
This is not the first time Bothell neighborhoods have spotted bears. An incident in 2011 near Woodmoor Elementary briefly put schools into modified lockdowns, according to the Bothell-Kenmore Reporter. If a bear poses an immediate threat, authorities say to call 911. For non-emergency sightings, residents are advised to consult the City of Bothell animal services information or report the incident to state wildlife authorities as outlined on those pages.
