Several bear sightings have been reported recently in Ocean Shores, leading a state Wildlife agent to warn residents not to feed wildlife and to secure anything that might attract bears.

A mother bear and her two cubs have been spotted in neighborhoods in the southwestern part of the city, as recently as Monday.

“This mama attacked our garbage during the early morning hours,” said Mark Plackett, who photographed the bear and cubs in the area around Willow Court SW.

Washington Fish & Wildlife officer Warren Becker said non-emergency bear reports should be made to the proper agencies that can respond. The regional Fish & Wildlife office in Montesano can be reached at (360) 249-4628. The regional Wildcom dispatch center can be reached at (360) 902-2936, or you can report on a toll-free number, (1-877-933-9847.

“The biggest issue is not to attract them with bird feeders, pet food left outside or garbage left unattended,” he said.

Fish & Wildlife issues the following recommendations upon encountering a black bear:

• Keep a clean camp. Put garbage in wildlife-resistant trash containers.

• Hike in small groups and make your presence known by singing or talking.

• If you come in close contact with a bear: 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• If it is an emergency, dial 911.