- Cougar and black bear attacks on people are extremely rare.
- Cougars are carnivores. They are elusive, secretive animals rarely seen in
the wild. Although their usual prey is deer and other wildlife, it is possible,
although rare, for them to perceive humans as prey.
- Black bears are omnivores. They are solitary animals and usually avoid
people. Most confrontations between bears and people occur as a result of
surprise encounters at close range, or because of food and garbage attractants
near homes.
- Both black bears and cougars are classified as game animals in
Washington state and are hunted under rules and seasons established by the
state Fish and Wildlife Commission.
- The black bear population in Washington state is presently estimated at
25,000 animals. The cougar population is estimated at 2,500 animals.
- Information about black bear attacks on humans in Washington state is
sketchy, but one fatality and three non-fatal attacks have been recorded.
- Information on cougar attacks on people is somewhat more reliable. One
fatality and five non-fatal attacks have been reported since 1924. Four of the
attacks occurred during the 90s.
- Even though black bear and cougar attacks are rare, evidence points to a
significant increase in recent years in the number of human encounters with
the animals. There are three major reasons for the increase: the destruction
or alteration of wildlife habitat; an increase in the state's cougar and black bear populations; and an increase in the state's human population. The latter
has translated into more people recreating or otherwise encroaching on
wildlife habitat.
- In response to this trend, the Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1995
began systematically collecting data on bear and cougar complaints reported
by citizens. A "complaint" is broadly defined, and can range from livestock
depredation to a sighting that causes citizen alarm.
- In 1997, the Department verified 561 public complaints about cougars.
That same year, the Department captured and relocated two cougars that
posed a public safety threat or other problem. Forty-seven cougars posing
problems were lethally removed by the Department or the reporting party.
- In 1997, the Department received 541 public complaints about black
bears. Thirty-seven bears were captured and relocated, and 42 were lethally
removed.
- Besides establishing a data collection system for black bears and cougar
complaints, the Department has recently expanded the training offered to
Fish and Wildlife officers in how to respond to cougar and bear complaints.
Officers are required to complete mandatory classes on how to properly
capture, relocate and, when necessary, euthanize the animals. The
Department has also begun public education efforts to promote bear and
cougar awareness.
- In 1996, public concern over bear and cougar hunting methods led to a
citizens vote that eliminated the use of hounds for hunting cougar, and the use
of hounds and bait for hunting black bear. The initiative (I-655) is expected
to significantly reduce the number of black bears and cougar harvested
during the hunting season.
- Several actions have been taken by the Fish and Wildlife Commission to
increase black bear and cougar hunter participation, and to assist in
offsetting the reduction in black bear and cougar harvest. Statewide black
bear and cougar hunting seasons have been lengthened, and the cost of tags
that hunters are required to purchase has been reduced.
