More bear sightings in Kent

Monday near Scenic Hill Elementary School

What a black bear looks like. COURTESY PHOTO

What a black bear looks like. COURTESY PHOTO

A black bear continues to show up in Kent neighborhoods.

Kent city officials reported on Facebook before 10 a.m. Monday of a bear sighting at Scenic Hill Elementary, 26025 Woodland Way S. School Security and authorities are aware. Kent schools are in session through Tuesday, June 25.

City officials advise to use caution and stay alert if you are in the area. If you see the bear, do not approach it. Leave the area immediately and call 911.

Bear sightings also were reported last week in the Scenic Hill area as well as near the Service Club Ballfields, 14608 SE 288th St.

Black bears can run up 30 to 35 mph, according to westernwildlife.org. The home range of a female black bear is typically 2.5 to 10 square miles while male bears ranges are 10 to 59 square miles.

People can call the state Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-877-933-9847 to report bear sightings. There were more than 900 sightings last year reported in King County, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. But sightings in Kent have remained rare until the recent reports.


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