Black bear attacks hikers on Mount Si; one injured, other flees

Details of the Bear Encounter and Injuries Sustained

The King County Sheriff’s Office reported that the two hikers—one male, identified as Daniel Carter, 34, of Bellevue, and one female, Emily Chen, 28, of Kirkland—were descending the summit trail when the bear approached them. According to Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht’s official statement, the bear charged Carter, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries including deep scratches to his left arm and bruising to his torso. Chen fled the scene as the bear briefly pursued her before losing interest.

“Both individuals are safe, though one required medical attention for scratches and bruising,” Johanknecht said in a statement released at 11:45 a.m. “We’re treating this as a defensive encounter—bears in this area are typically not aggressive unless they feel threatened.” The sheriff’s office later clarified that Carter was treated at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle and released by 1:30 p.m.

Park rangers from the Mount Si Volunteer Association, who responded to the scene alongside King County Sheriff’s deputies, noted that black bears in the region often avoid humans but may act unpredictably if startled. Ranger Jake Morrow, who arrived at the scene within 20 minutes of the incident, told reporters that the hikers were not carrying bear spray, which officials strongly recommend for the area.

“The bear was likely drawn to the hikers by scent or movement,” Morrow said. “We’ve seen an uptick in bears wandering closer to trails this year, possibly due to food sources like berries ripening earlier than usual.” A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) incident report from June 15 indicates that a separate hiker near the Easton Trail reported a close encounter with a bear two days prior, though no injuries were reported.

Wildlife Agency Investigation and Rising Bear Activity in the Region

The King County Sheriff’s Office and WDFW are monitoring the area but have not confirmed whether the same bear was involved in last week’s Easton Trail encounter. Dr. Elena Vasquez, a wildlife biologist with WDFW, stated in a press briefing on June 17 that the agency is reviewing trail camera footage from the region to assess bear activity.

“Bear activity has increased this year due to early berry season, which has drawn bears closer to human-populated areas,” Vasquez said. “We’re advising hikers to make noise while trekking, store food properly, and avoid approaching bears.” She noted that WDFW has received 12 reports of bear sightings in King County since June 1, compared to just four in the same period last year.

In a separate statement, King County Parks Director Mark Reynolds emphasized that while no bear warning has been issued for Mount Si, officials are taking the incident seriously. “We’re working with WDFW to assess whether additional safety measures are needed,” Reynolds said. “This follows a 2025 spike in bear-human conflicts in the Cascades, with WDFW reporting a 30% increase in encounters since 2024.”

WDFW’s 2025 annual report highlighted climate change as a contributing factor, citing warmer winters and earlier springs as reasons for bears venturing into human areas in search of food. The agency has also noted a 15% increase in black bear populations in Western Washington over the past five years, according to tracking data.

Broader Safety Concerns and Potential Trailhead Modifications

Mount Si, a popular 5,124-foot peak near Seattle, sees over 100,000 annual visitors, making it one of the most frequently climbed mountains in the Pacific Northwest. While bear attacks remain rare—averaging fewer than five per year in Washington state—the increasing frequency of close calls has prompted discussions about trail safety.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen bears acting aggressively near trails,” Reynolds said in an interview with The Seattle Times. “Climate shifts and changing wildlife behavior mean we need to adjust our approach to outdoor safety.” The incident follows a 2023 case in North Cascades National Park, where a black bear mauled a hiker who ignored warnings to carry bear spray.

The WDFW is reviewing its bear management protocols, including potential expansions of bear-proof food storage at trailheads. Currently, only three of the 12 major trailheads in King County have designated bear-proof lockers, according to a 2025 King County Parks report. Officials are also considering whether to install bear bells or electronic alerts along high-traffic trails.

Meanwhile, hikers are being reminded to follow established “bear safety” guidelines: travel in groups, avoid hiking at dawn or dusk, and never feed wildlife. The REI Co-op reported a 40% increase in bear spray sales in Western Washington since May 2026, reflecting heightened concern among outdoor enthusiasts.

Immediate Safety Recommendations for Hikers and Next Steps

• Carry bear spray (required in some regions, including Glacier National Park and parts of Alaska). In Washington, while not mandatory, officials strongly recommend it for areas like Mount Si.
• Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears—clapping, talking, or wearing a bell can help.
• Store food/scented items in bear-proof containers or hang them at least 10-15 feet high and 4 feet from tree trunks.
• Report aggressive bears immediately to WDFW (1-877-933-3922) or local law enforcement.
• Avoid hiking alone, especially near berry patches or dense vegetation where bears may be foraging.

The injured hiker, Daniel Carter, was treated and released from Swedish Medical Center with no further complications reported. The King County Sheriff’s Office has not identified the hikers due to privacy concerns, though local media confirmed their names through public records.

This article was last updated on June 17, 2026, with official statements from the King County Sheriff’s Office, WDFW, and Mount Si Volunteer Association.

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