A handful of Islanders reported sightings of a black bear on Vashon Monday and Tuesday, prompting those familiar with wildlife to encourage Vashon residents to handle the situation with care.

T Yamamoto, a wildlife expert who runs Wolftown on Vashon, said Islanders should be sure to secure their garbage, feed pets indoors and not approach the animal if they see it.

“The biggest thing is not to leave anything out for them to eat,” she said.

The bear was seen near Wax Orchard Road and S.W. 240th Street.