A 430-pound (195-kilogram) black bear was fatally struck by a white Chevy pickup truck early Tuesday morning on River Road near Forestville, California. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the collision happened around 4:30 a.m., just as commuters were starting their day.
The impact was strong, but witnesses said the bear initially limped away from the scene. It was later found lying down a short distance off the road. A wildlife biologist was dispatched and arrived on-site around 9 a.m. to assess the animal. Sadly, the bear had succumbed to its injuries.
The driver was not seriously injured, but the truck suffered noticeable damage to its front end. Authorities didn’t issue any citations, calling it a tragic accident.
Bears on the Move: A Growing Concern
Over the past few years, Sonoma County has seen an uptick in black bear sightings. These animals, typically found farther north, are expanding their range southward, partly due to habitat shifts and food scarcity caused by climate change and wildfire damage.
A recent CDFW report revealed that over 100 bears are struck and killed on California roads each year. Wildlife advocates say the numbers are likely higher, as not all incidents are reported…