A 16-year-old boy was injured after being attacked by a black bear while hiking near Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state, authorities said.
Incident Details
The teenager was hiking with a group on a trail in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest when the bear attacked him on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The boy suffered injuries to his arm and leg but was able to walk to a nearby trailhead where he was met by emergency responders. He was airlifted to a hospital in Portland, Oregon, and is in stable condition.
Bear Behavior
Wildlife officials said the bear likely acted defensively, as it was surprised by the hikers. Such encounters are rare, but they increase during summer when bears are more active. The department is investigating the incident and has set traps in the area to capture the bear for testing. If captured, the bear will be euthanized as per protocol for aggressive behavior.
This is the first bear attack in Washington state this year. In 2025, there were two reported attacks, both non-fatal. Authorities remind hikers to carry bear spray, make noise on trails, and avoid approaching wildlife.
