Keep all pet food indoors and feed cats and dogs inside the house or garage. Keep compost bins tightly covered. Wash barbecue grills immediately after use, and keep any fish parts and meat waste in your freezer until they can be disposed of properly. Bring in all bird feeders now through October. The bears in the Bellevue and Issaquah areas seem to be keying in especially on birdseed, suet and even humming bird feeders.
Birds are able to find plenty of food during summer months.
Instead, use native plant landscaping to attract birds to your yard year round. The information is used to study animal behaviors and track the areas in which they are seen. Reporting a bear sighting to the county does not mean the bear will be shot or removed. Black bear sightings in Bellevue for 1997 and 1998 showed highest concentration in the Coal Creek Parkway area and Lakemont Boulevard area. The most sightings are typically in the months of May, June and July.