SNOHOMISH COUNTY, WA — A woman was injured in a bear attack in Snohomish County on Oct. 25, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife crews spent hours searching for the animal afterward. Officials were looking for a mother bear and her cub, but the bear had not been found when the search was underway.

At a glance

• Animal: A mother bear and cub
• Where: Snohomish County, Washington
• When: Oct. 25
• What happened: A woman was attacked and injured, then wildlife crews searched for the bear for hours
• Status: The bear had not been located during the search
• Anyone hurt: Yes, one woman was injured

What happened

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife crews responded after the attack and searched for the bear for several hours. The agency was trying to track down what officials described as a mother bear and her cub in the county.

KOMO reported that the search followed the Oct. 25 attack on the woman. No additional details about the woman’s injuries were included in the available information.

Wildlife officials did not say how close the bear was to homes or whether anyone else was in immediate danger. They were still working to locate the animal after the incident.

In situations like this, wildlife agencies typically treat the area cautiously until the animal is found or the risk clearly drops. That is especially true when a cub is involved, since a sow may defend it if she feels threatened.

About the animal

In western Washington, the bear people are most likely to encounter is the black bear. Adults usually weigh far less than grizzlies, though size can vary widely by age, sex and season. They have rounded ears, a short tail and coats that can range from black to cinnamon or even blonde.

Black bears are opportunistic omnivores. They eat berries, nuts, insects, grasses, roots, carrion and sometimes small animals or human food that is left out. Their behavior changes with the season as they look for calories before winter.

Black bears are common in wooded and mountain areas of Washington, including parts of Snohomish County. They usually avoid people, but problems can happen when bears become food-conditioned, surprise someone at close range, or feel cornered. A mother with cubs can be especially defensive.

If you encounter one

If you see a bear, stay calm and give it plenty of space. Back away slowly while facing the animal, and never run. Running can trigger a chase response in some predators, while sudden movement may also startle a bear.

Keep children close and bring pets under control right away. If the bear is near your home or campground, get people inside if you can do so safely. Do not approach cubs, and do not try to get a better look for photos or video.

People should secure garbage, pet food, bird feeders and other attractants that can draw bears into neighborhoods. If a bear is acting aggressively or refuses to leave, call local animal control or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and report the exact location.

What happens next

Wildlife crews were continuing their search after the attack, and officials had not said whether they expected to capture or relocate the bear. When a bear injures someone, agencies often work to determine whether it can be safely found and handled.

Residents in the area should watch for updates from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and avoid approaching any bear they may see. Any fresh sightings should be reported promptly so officials can narrow the search area.

Spotted a dangerous animal where you live? Report it to your state wildlife agency or local animal control.