Yes Mike it was a bear. And no, there are no easy ways to bear proof bird
feeders - short of putting them inside a strong, tall, electrified fence.
Please check out some of the websites talking about the dangers of feeding
bears - danger to the bears that is. If you do enjoy having bears around, I
urge you to take down your bird feeders from late March through mid
November. Once they identify your place as a neat food source, they will be
back.
I live in Preston, not far from you (as the bear travels), and we have
experienced "bear attention" for several summers now. If you don't remove
the attraction of bird feeders right away, they will start in on your
garbage cans and back-yard BBQ's. Then your neighbors will get restless,
call in the Dept of Fish and Wildlife, and the bear will be history.

Janet Ray
Preston WA