Between the hours of 6:45 and 7:15 p.m. on Sunday, the Kirkland Police Department received several calls from residents of the Montebello apartments, 12200 block 131st Ln. NE.

Callers reported that the bear was not being aggressive and had not approached any individuals. Residents stated that it appeared the bear was only interested in the trash containers in the complex.

Officers did an extensive area check but could not locate the bear.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife was contacted and provided advice to our officers on scene. They will be assisting the police department with any further sighting’s of the bear. Kirkland Police officers will be in the area this morning just as a precaution.

Some information can be found at the WDFW web site should a citizen see or encounter a bear.

If you come in close contact with a bear:

1. Stay calm and avoid direct eye contact, which could elicit a charge. Try to stay upwind and identify yourself as a human by standing up, talking and waving your hands above your head.

2. Do not approach the bear, particularly if cubs are present. Give the bear plenty of room.

3. If you cannot safely move away from the bear, and the animal does not flee, try to scare it away by clapping your hands or yelling.

4. If the bear attacks, fight back aggressively. As a last resort, should the attack continue, protect yourself by curling into a ball or lying on the ground on your stomach and playing dead.