The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recovered a 300-pound black bear on Wednesday after it was hit and killed by a vehicle on I-95 near exit 210 in St. Johns County.
A motorist contacted the agency after spotting the bloodied and lifeless animal splayed on the side of the span.
No specific details of the collision were available.
Young bears leave their mothers and begin searching for new territory, which can lead them to cross busy roads and appear in unexpected areas.
Officials said to expect an uptick in encounters this time of year.
Just recently, a small black bear was spotted on St. George Street in downtown St. Augustine, a reminder that bear sightings can happen even in populated areas.
FWC urges residents to take precautions to prevent attracting bears:
- Secure garbage cans and remove them from outside until collection day.
- Avoid leaving pet food, bird seed, or other attractants outdoors.
- Clean grills and store them securely.
Though black bears typically avoid people, they may linger in neighborhoods if they find an easy food source. Without access to food, they usually move on.
If you see a sick, injured, dead, or orphaned bear—or feel threatened by one—contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
