There is one thing certain about living on Snoqualmie Ridge in a home backing to a green belt – you will see wildlife. After all, the animals were here before the houses. This is typically the time of year that bear sightings begin on the Ridge; and this year is no different.
A mama bear and her cub were spotted yesterday in the backyard of a home in the K- North Area of Snoqualmie Ridge. This is the area north of Tanner Jeans Park along Douglas Ave – about a mile north of Gateway Gas and Deli. Residents of the area should exercise caution as bears are known to be extra protective when cubs are along.
The homeowner reported the bear and her cub were eating food scraps from their yard waste container. She mentioned that although they are not strangers to bears in their yard, this was the first time they had gone for the yard waste container. As a solution, the homeowner said they would refrain from putting food scraps into the yard waste until there were grass clippings to mask the smell. Instead, those scraps would go to the garbage bin which is kept in the garage.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife monitor bear (and wildlife) sightings. If you encounter a cougar or black bear problem, and it is not an emergency, contact the nearest Department of Fish and Wildlife office between the hours of 8AM and 5PM, Monday through Friday. In King County the contact number is (425)775-1311. They will respond to sightings that pose a threat to residents.
In June, the City of Snoqualmie will switch to Waste Management for garbage, recycling and yard waste collection. At that time residents can switch to bear resistant container pick up service for $3 per month. There is no charge for the container.
