How to protect your family from bear, cougar attacks in Washington state

Wild animal encounters in Washington are rare — but when they happen, they can be dangerous. In July 2025, a 4-year-old child was attacked by a cougar (also known as a mountain lion) while hiking with family near Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park.

According to reports, the collared cougar bit the child on a popular trail. Paramedics and park staff responded and airlifted the child to Harborview Medical Center, a Level 1 Trauma Center in Seattle. Thankfully, the child is recovering.

Rangers began searching for the cougar immediately. A canine team joined the effort later that day. The animal was located the same evening but could not be humanely killed until the following morning. The incident remains under investigation. Park officials are asking any witnesses to contact 888-653-0009 or email nps_isb@nps.gov.

While attacks like this are extraordinarily rare, the event raised serious concerns about trail safety, especially for families. It also renewed public interest in what to do if you encounter a cougar — or a bear — while hiking, camping, or spending time outdoors in Washington.

Are There Bears in Seattle? What Families Should Know

Washington’s forests and mountains are home to both black bears and cougars, and each year, sightings increase as the weather warms and food sources shift. It’s common to wonder:

• Are there bears in Seattle?
• How many bear attacks happen in Washington state?
• What’s the difference between a bear and a cougar encounter?

While black bears are sometimes spotted in residential neighborhoods (especially in spring and fall), bear attacks are very rare. Cougars, by contrast, are more elusive — but can be more aggressive when cornered or surprised.

As families venture out onto trails this season, it’s a good time to brush up on both cougar and bear safety. Here’s what Washington parents should know to help kids stay safe — and how to prepare for the unlikely but serious possibility of a wild animal encounter.

Cougars in Washington State: What to Know

This isn’t the first time a cougar has attacked a child in Olympic National Park. In July 2023, an 8-year-old was injured by a cougar while camping. The child’s mother was able to scare off the animal by yelling — a strategy that likely prevented a worse outcome.

After that attack, wildlife officials reminded visitors that “the entirety of Olympic National Park is considered cougar territory” and that outdoor safety must include preparation for a potential encounter.

There are an estimated 1,500 cougars in Washington state, and they roam year-round. Cougars are most active at dusk and dawn, though they can hunt at any hour. Unlike black bears — which usually avoid humans — cougars are predators, and it’s important to know what to do if one crosses your path.

Avoiding Encounters: Cougar and Bear Safety Basics

Many of the same tips apply whether you’re trying to avoid a cougar or a bear encounter. Use these precautions every time you and your family hit the trail:

• Don’t hike or jog alone. Stay in groups, and keep children within sight at all times.
• Make noise. Talking, singing, or clapping helps avoid surprising animals.
• Leave pets at home. Dogs can provoke wild animals or attract attention.
• Stay alert. Watch for signs of animal activity and avoid hiking at dawn or dusk when wildlife is more active.
• Keep food and trash secure. Never leave snacks or garbage unattended, and follow Leave No Trace principles when camping.

What to Do If You Encounter a Cougar or a Bear

Despite your best efforts, encounters can still happen. Knowing what to do in the moment can make all the difference.

If you see a cougar:

• Stay calm and do not run. Running may trigger a chase.
• Face the cougar, appear as large as possible, and speak loudly and firmly.
• Pick up small children without turning away or bending over.
• Throw rocks, sticks, or other objects if the cougar acts aggressively.
• If attacked, fight back — protect your head and neck and use anything you can as a weapon.

If you see a black bear:

• Stay calm. Do not run or make sudden movements.
• Identify yourself by speaking in a low voice and slowly waving your arms.
• If the bear approaches, clap, stomp, and yell to scare it away.
• Group together if you’re with others, and make yourselves look large.
• If a bear makes contact, fight back aggressively and aim for the face.

How to Teach Kids Wildlife Safety

Wildlife safety starts with conversations at home. Here are simple, empowering lessons to share with your kids:

• Stay close to adults on the trail — no running ahead or lagging behind.
• Make noise while hiking: sing, talk, or clap to avoid surprising animals.
• If you see a wild animal, don’t run. Stand tall and get an adult.
• Use your voice. Shout, wave your arms, and back away slowly if needed.
• Know what’s normal. If you see a bear or cougar, it’s OK to feel scared — but knowing what to do is the best way to stay safe.

Black Bears in Washington: Why Sightings Are on the Rise

In 2023, the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) received reports of several bear spottings, including one in the Newport neighborhood of Bellevue and Redmond last May and another in the Issaquah Highlands in July. WDFW used the sitings as an opportunity to remind hikers and residents that “Black bears are common across much of Snohomish County and throughout Washington state.” Residents and hikers alike should take precautions to avoid encounters and learn what to do if in the improbable case that they meet a bear face-to-face. According to state wildlife biologists, there are approximately 20,000 black bears in Washington. WDFW receives about 500 black bear complaints yearly, ranging from glimpses of bears to actual encounters.

Bears usually avoid people, but even a small black bear has surprising strength and speed, which can make encounters potentially dangerous. Bears roam into cities and neighborhoods when the woodland food supply is scarce – usually in early spring and late fall as they prepare for hibernation. Conditions like late-arriving spring or drought may increase the likelihood of a residential bear sighting. The bear spotted in Milk Creek was digging through trash cans in a residential neighborhood.

Staying Safe in the Wild

Washington’s trails, parks, and forests are incredible places for families to explore. By taking a few simple precautions and teaching kids what to do in case of a wild animal encounter, you can help ensure every outdoor adventure is a safe one.

More Resources on Bear Safety for Families

Want more information on bears and how to stay safe? Check out the Get Bear Smart website.