Spanaway is traditional territory for many wild animals. This morning, June 1, a black bear was spotted between 255th Street and 260th crossing the Mountain Highway (SR7). Here are some safety tips if you come across one unexpectedly. Even this editor has seen one on 8th Avenue South, also about 255th Street. With a large military range in the area, there is a great deal of wild space for them to roam. Please use caution if you encounter one.

Bears are not the only animals you will come across. Many have spotted cougars and bob cats on a regular basis as well. What you do in their presence is different than what you do with a bear in your path. (The bob cats I have encountered have been eager to avoid me.)

Best point, keep your distance, go indoors, stay away until they are gone. Please feel free to take a photo once you are in a safe place. It is not legal to shoot them with a gun, but you may invest in bear spray.