Black bear feeding on elk carcass hit, killed by vehicle on South Pass Tuesday night; three other bears including cubs had similar fates

(Fremont County, WY) – A bear was struck by a vehicle near mile marker 55 on Highway 28 (South Pass) Tuesday night, according to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office call log issued on September 3.

Information and Education Supervisor for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Rene Schell, confirmed as much with County 10 Wednesday afternoon, and informed that the bear was killed in the incident.

Schell also shared that this has been one of multiple incidents involving black bears and elk being killed by vehicles on South Pass in recent days.

“We have had multiple black bears and an elk hit and killed on the highway in recent days; two black bear females and two cubs in total,” Schell commented. “(The bears) seemed to have been feeding on an elk carcass that was also hit and killed on the highway.”

All bears were “killed on impact by the vehicles, as per our investigation,” Schell also shared, and added that Game and Fish went on to remove the bear and elk carcasses from the roadway.

“We appreciate people reporting all wildlife-vehicle strikes on the WYDOT 511 app.  Roadside carcasses can then be removed to prevent attracting other scavengers to the highway, avoiding additional safety hazards for humans and wildlife.” 

Schell went on to add that animals are on the move this time of year, and that folks should slow down for all wildlife.

“The Wyoming Game and Fish Department advises people to be aware of roadside surroundings. When motorists spot animals near highways, they should assume the animals will move onto the roadway.”

Game and Fish advised that the following tips can prevent many wildlife collisions:             

• Slow Down
• Expect wildlife and scan the sides of the roads
• Use headlights and stay alert while driving at dusk, dawn and at night
• If you see one elk, deer, or antelope by the road, expect there to be more nearby
•  If an animal is on the road, expect the unexpected. They do not instinctively know how to react to your car
• If you encounter an animal crossing the road, switch your headlights to low beam so that they are not blinded and can move out of your way
• Give the animal time and room to move off the road. Do not try to outrun it
• If you see a wildlife-crossing sign, pay attention. It is there for a reason
• Do not swerve to miss an animal. Steer toward the animal’s hindquarters, as they most often will move forward