Early Friday morning, a vehicle struck and killed a female bear on Interstate 25 at the Jackson Creek Parkway interchange in Monument, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Officers found the bear along the highway, and it was already dead when crews arrived. The animal, which was later removed from the roadway, was estimated to weigh about 250 pounds.
What officials said
As reported by KRDO, Colorado Parks and Wildlife recovered the bear around 8:30 a.m. on Friday at I-25 and Jackson Creek Parkway. CPW identified the animal as female and estimated its weight at roughly 250 pounds. According to KRDO, there were no reported injuries to motorists and no citations listed in connection with the collision.
Why bears end up on roads
Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Living with Bears guide notes that "habituated bears often must be killed" and explains that most conflicts begin when bears discover human food, garbage or pet food. Once bears learn that neighborhoods and business areas offer easy calories, they lose their natural caution around people and are more likely to wander through developed areas and cross busy highways. Wildlife officials say the most effective way to keep bears away from roads and out of dangerous situations is to remove those food attractants.
How drivers and neighbors can help
Programs such as BearWise urge residents to secure trash, take down bird feeders and use bear-resistant containers so animals are not lured toward streets and parking lots. A study published in Animals found that reducing speed and staying alert in wildlife corridors can lower the risk of animal-vehicle collisions, and that swerving to avoid wildlife often makes crashes more severe. In bear country, drivers are encouraged to slow down at dawn and dusk and to watch road shoulders closely for movement, while residents are urged to report recurring bear activity to wildlife officials.
Report sightings
If you spot a bear on or near a roadway, Colorado Parks and Wildlife asks that you report it so officers can respond and address any public safety concerns. Colorado Parks and Wildlife's reporting page lists options for submitting wildlife sightings and species reports.
