A black bear was hit by a car Wednesday on Yosemite Street near Heritage Hills Parkway in Lone Tree, according to city officials. After the collision, the animal moved into the treeline on the east side of the road, and officers cut northbound Yosemite down to a single lane while crews worked the scene. The city did not immediately release any details about the bear's condition.
What Officials Say
Lone Tree public information officer Melissa Gallegos told The Denver Post that Lone Tree police were on scene with Colorado Parks and Wildlife after the crash and that crews moved the bear into the nearby treeline. Part of the roadway was closed while responders coordinated to keep drivers and first responders safe.
Nearby Rescue Underscores Rising Sightings
The traffic incident follows another recent bear encounter in Lone Tree, when Colorado Parks and Wildlife, South Metro Fire-Rescue and Lone Tree police tranquilized and relocated a bear that had wandered over to Park Meadows mall. Denver7 has video of that relocation, which played out in front of shoppers and workers.
In 2024, officials responded to a treed bear at Park Meadows in a similar scene, as wildlife crews again had to coax a bear out of a busy commercial area, as per Hoodline.
How To Keep Bears Wild
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says human food and other attractants pull bears into neighborhoods, and that habituated animals can turn into a public safety problem. In its Living With Bears guidance, Colorado Parks and Wildlife outlines simple steps residents can take: keep trash indoors until pickup, clean grills, remove bird feeders, and secure pet food. The agency also explains when it is time to call wildlife officers instead of trying to handle a situation on your own.
If You See A Bear
Officials urge residents to give bears plenty of space, avoid approaching or feeding them, and contact local authorities or Colorado Parks and Wildlife if an animal appears injured or creates a safety hazard. The City of Lone Tree lists Melissa Gallegos as the communications contact for official updates on this and other incidents.
