Westlake Park will host a May 28 ribbon-cutting with live music, food and a short ceremony after months of renovation. The reopening lines up with summer programming downtown.

Orchid, a clouded leopard at Point Defiance Zoo, climbed a tree during the Wild Wonders show, temporarily closing nearby paths before keepers returned her safely.

A popular stretch of the Wonderland Trail is closed after rangers reported unusual black‑bear activity near Narada Falls. The park is monitoring the area and urging hikers to follow bear‑safety guidance.

Officials warn Puget Sound and inland rivers remain dangerously cold as summer approaches. Life jackets, shoreline rescues and loaner stations could prevent needless deaths.

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.