Outdoor adventures turned terrifying this week for two groups of high school hikers on Mount Si in Washington. A black bear, likely protecting her cub, charged a trio of teens on Tuesday afternoon, leaving one boy scratched and shaken. The incident marks the second bear attack in the U.S. in June alone.
According to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW), the attack unfolded around 1 p.m. about 2.7 miles up the popular Mount Si trail. The bear rushed the group and swiped at one of the hikers, a teenage boy, leaving scratches on his body. The animal then reportedly tossed him around, though officials say the injuries were not life-threatening. King County Search and Rescue hiked in to bring the victim to safety, and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, a separate group of hikers on the same trail reported that a black bear followed them closely for several miles. That group managed to escape without physical injury, but the encounters prompted officials to close the trail while wildlife officers attempt to locate the animal. The WDFW is urging hikers to avoid the area until further notice.
This isn't the first close call with wildlife in Washington this year. A recent mid-air collision involving skydivers in the state also made headlines, but bear encounters are rarer—and seem to be clustering. Just last week, a woman foraging for mushrooms near Skilak Lake in Alaska was attacked by a bear that severely injured her dog, Chaos. The German shorthaired pointer suffered extensive blood loss and multiple gashes before the woman managed to scare the bear away.
Wildlife experts remind hikers to stay alert, make noise, and carry bear spray when traveling through known bear habitats. Black bears are generally shy, but mothers with cubs can become aggressive if they feel threatened. The WDFW advises never to run from a bear, as that can trigger a chase response. Instead, back away slowly and avoid direct eye contact.
For the teens on Mount Si, the encounter was a brush with danger that could have been far worse. The boy who was swiped is recovering, and the trail remains closed as authorities search for the bear. Hikers are advised to check current conditions before heading into the backcountry.
Elsewhere, a similar bear attack in Alaska left a woman's dog fighting for its life, highlighting the unpredictable nature of these encounters. As summer draws more people into the wilderness, officials stress the importance of respecting wildlife and staying prepared.
