Bear spotted near Index trailheads

State wildlife officers are searching for a bear that attacked a woman on Sunday morning near Index, Washington. The incident occurred on the 49400 block of Index-Galena Road, located near U.S. Route 2. Sultan police responded to the area after a resident encountered a mother bear and her cub.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officials reported the attack at approximately 7:50 a.m. According to a media release, the bear approached the adult woman from behind and knocked her down. While the woman was on the ground, the animal bit and clawed her. She managed to return to her home and called for assistance.

Police described the woman's injuries as serious but not life-threatening. She was transported to a hospital for medical care. State officers and Snohomish County deputies used tracking dogs on Sunday to locate the animal. Those initial efforts did not find the bear, and a trap has since been set in the vicinity.

Wildlife police plan to increase patrols in the area. A department spokesperson confirmed on Monday that officers are still working to locate the animal. The attack site is close to the fork in the Skykomish River. It is also near trailheads for popular hikes to Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls.

Sultan police have urged residents to exercise caution in the area. The Department of Fish and Wildlife provided specific guidance for minimizing injury risks during bear encounters. If a bear walks toward a person, the agency advises standing up, waving hands above the head, and speaking in a low voice to identify as human. Individuals should back away while avoiding direct eye contact and should not run.

The department recommends hikers make noise and leash pets to avoid startling bears. It also suggests carrying readily accessible bear spray and knowing how to use it. Residents can report bear encounters to the Sultan Police non-emergency line at 425-407-3999. The Department of Fish and Wildlife can be reached at 360-902-2936.