Additional Coverage:
A teenage boy was scratched by a black bear while hiking Mount Si Trail near Seattle on Tuesday, prompting officials to close the popular trail for safety reasons.
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the incident occurred about 2.7 miles up the trail in the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area. The bear charged at the boy and swiped at him, causing minor injuries. The teen was hiking with two others at the time.
King County Deputy Peter Linde told KING-TV the boy was understandably frightened but sustained no serious harm. “The bear tossed him around a little bit, but nothing serious. He’s on his way to the hospital to have his wounds cleaned and possibly receive antibiotics,” Linde said.
Search and Rescue teams, along with fish and wildlife officers, responded promptly and transported the teenager for medical treatment.
In a separate encounter on the same day, another group of hikers reported being followed closely by a black bear for several miles. Fortunately, no injuries occurred in that incident.
As a precaution, authorities closed Mount Si Trail to allow for a thorough search for the bear. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources also shut down nearby trails, including Little Si and Mount Teneriffe, citing increased bear activity and urging the public to avoid the area.
While black bear attacks are rare in Washington, the state has documented 20 injuries from bear encounters since 1970, and one fatality in 1974.
Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area is a scenic region about 35 miles east-southeast of Seattle, known for its rugged peaks and popular hiking routes. Officials continue to monitor the situation to ensure visitor safety.