Bear seen hanging out high up in tree in WA neighborhood. See rescuers step in
A bear was spotted high up in a tree in a Washington neighborhood, prompting rescuers to try and get it down, firefighters said.
The wild animal was discovered at about 1 p.m. May 27, the Spokane Valley Fire Department said in a Facebook post.
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife officers responded to the area and called firefighters for help.
Firefighters were in a training nearby at the time of the call, so they went to the scene with a ladder truck and bucket, rescuers said.
Wildlife officers shot the bear with a tranquilizer, and it fell onto a tarp, fire officials said.
Photos show the bear being removed from the area in the tarp.
Fire officials did not say where the bear was being taken.
Black bears are found living throughout Washington, while grizzly bears are common in the northeastern part of the state, according to wildlife officials.
“Bears usually avoid people, but conflicts can arise especially when black bears become habituated to human-provided food sources,” officials said.
Because of this, residents are encouraged to keep food sources away from the animals, including keeping garbage cans in garages, using bear resistant containers, removing bird feeders and picking up fallen fruit.
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
This story was originally published May 28, 2025 at 12:58 PM with the headline "Bear seen hanging out high up in tree in WA neighborhood. See rescuers step in."
