A dead gray whale was found Wednesday at North Sunset Beach on Whidbey Island, marking the 19th gray whale recorded in Washington this year. NOAA and researchers are responding.

Public Health closed three King County swim beaches after tests found high bacteria; a Renton sample hit about 14,000 CFU — far above safety guidelines.

A resident posted video Monday of a black bear moving through brush near Lakebay Community Church on the Key Peninsula. WDFW advises securing garbage and reporting sightings.

Seattle Parks will set Alki and Golden Gardens hours to 4 a.m.–10:30 p.m. May 1–Sept. 30 and outline beach-fire rules and expanded monitoring.

A West Seattle neighbor reported a large coyote near 41st and Dawson. State wildlife officials and local researchers urge pet precautions and reporting.

Woodland Park Zoo's Forest Trailhead opens May 1, reintroducing tree kangaroos and red pandas to a treetop pathway while centering global forest conservation.

Seattle Parks' draft would end many dual‑use courts; local players have launched a petition saying dozens of outdoor pickleball courts could be removed. Public comment is open through mid‑May.

Three recent reader reports show coyotes across West Seattle — one near the municipal golf course and another that reportedly took three backyard chickens.

Barred owls at Point Defiance Park have been swooping at hikers and runners this spring. Experts say it’s nesting behavior and offer practical safety tips.

Seattle’s Japanese Garden will close for five weeks this summer for a $2.8M Ishigaki wall rebuild and accessible pathways. A 15th‑generation master stonemason will lead the stonework with American artisans.

Two new lit turf fields opened in north Gig Harbor and are taking reservations. The YMCA will operate the site and has posted hours, rates and a booking calendar.

A juvenile gray whale appeared this week in the north fork of the Willapa River near Raymond; Cascadia Research and partners are monitoring the animal and asking the public to keep back.

A $155 million parks bond would fund 100+ projects in Tacoma, with Dash Point Pier reconstruction listed as an early priority. Ballots are arriving next week.