On Dec. 9, the city became aware of a potential black bear sighting that is thought to have occurred several days earlier in a ravine in the 4200 block of West Mercer Way.

The Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) has contacted the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for additional guidance and coordination. To learn more about bears in suburban landscapes, and avoiding conflict, visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/ursus-americanus#living

Members of the public with firsthand information or additional sightings can contact the WDFW dispatch number at 1-877-933-9847 or the the 24/7 non-emergency line for MIPD assistance at 425-577-5656. The city will share updates through various communication channels if new information becomes available. No other reports have been received at this time.