Three grizzlies struck, killed on highway
A GRIZZLY BEAR cub has been held by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Natural Resources Department wildlife program after its mother and two siblings were struck by a vehicle and killed last week. (Ashley Fox/Lake County Leader)
A grizzly sow and two cubs died as the result of an accident last week on U.S. Highway 93.
According to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Wildlife Management Program, the family of bears was struck and killed by a vehicle at about 10:30 p.m. Friday, July 27.
Biologist Stacey Courville said that the accident occured at mile marker 44.7, just south of Ronan.
The mother, who weighed 390 pounds, was wearing a radio collar, officials confirmed. A male and female cub were also struck.
COURVILLE SAID the car, a Buick LaSabre, was “disabled” and there are no charges pending since the incident appears to be an accident.
On Saturday, a motorist traveling on the highway saw another grizzly cub in the area and told officials about it.
Courville said that the male cub was safely captured and the sow killed the day before was the mother.
The cub was born in January, and cannot fend for itself. Officials are waiting for the animal to be placed in a credited zoo, Courville confirmed.
CSKT announced via Facebook that grizzlies are starting to disperse west of U.S. Highway 93.
Motorists should use caution when driving along the highway and call emergency personnel immediately for any accident or to report any animal hit on the side of the roadway, or if it appears another driver may hit it.