Update: This story was updated to include more information about the incident location. Last updated 9/16/26 2:54 p.m.

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Two people, including a child, were hurt following an encounter with a bear in Whatcom County.

The Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife says the incident occurred Sunday night, Sept. 13 at a private residence outside Bellingham city limits. Spokesperson Becky Elder with Washington state Fish and Wildlife Police said the incident occurred north of Lake Whatcom.

Both victims were taken to a “local hospital” for treatment, though the extent of their injuries is unknown at this time. WDFW spokesperson Chase Gunnell said the victims requested privacy, including on which hospital provided treatment.

WDFW officials are working to locate and trap the black bear in question.

This marks the second human-black bear encounter in Whatcom County reported within the span of a month.

My Bellingham Now previously reported a woman sustained minor injuries last month after she was approached by a bear near Lake Whatcom.