PHOTO COURTESY OF LAWRENCE CHASE

Sandgates, MD – State authorities have confirmed a male black bear was struck by a motor vehicle Wednesday morning, July 27 in St. Mary’s County. David Heilmeier of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) told The BayNet the yearling was struck and killed on Route 235 between North Sandgates Road and Loveville Road. In addition to DNR, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police dispatched personnel to the scene.

“I picked the bear up and disposed of it this morning,” Heilmeier stated. The defunct bear weighed approximately 95 pounds.

Heilmeier said that there was a bear sighting reported in St. Mary’s County about two weeks ago, but isn’t certain the one that was killed is the same one that was previously spotted. He said while it is not unusual for bears to roam Southern Maryland “it’s not typical.”

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com