Young Bear Just Struck and Killed by a Vehicle in Missouri

This is bad news for the bear, but I also feel sorry for the driver who will have to live with this reality. The state of Missouri has just shared news that a young bear was just struck and killed by a vehicle and they issued a warning, too.

The Missouri Department of Conservation just shared this sad update on their Facebook/Meta page a few minutes ago. It's word that a young bear was struck by a vehicle in Howell County, Missouri in the southernmost region of the state. Here's what the Missouri conservation agent had to say about the accident:

"Animals are on the move — from turtles to black bears — and that includes crossing roads. Be on watch for wildlife crossing roadways in front of your vehicle. Unfortunately, this young male bear in Howell County was crossing a road at night and got hit and killed by a vehicle. The driver was okay and contacted local law enforcement, and the county agent responded."

They advise that if you do end up in an incident where your vehicle strikes a wild animal or if you come up on the scene of an injured animal, you should never approach the creature. While you may want to think you could assist the animal, you're only putting yourself in danger and there's little you can do for an animal like this young bear anyway. There are few things more dangerous than a scared and/or injured bear. The warm weather months in Missouri are the prime time when these animals will be most active. Sadly, that also means them crossing busy roads will result in tragedies like this one. Another reminder to be bear aware no matter what part of Missouri you live in, but especially in the southern part of the state.