400-pound black bear struck, killed on Martin Highway, driver unharmed

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (CBS12) — A 400-pound black bear was struck and killed by a vehicle on SW Martin Highway and SW Warfield Blvd. in Okeechobee on Monday morning.

Deputies with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office say they responded to the scene, where they met the motorist who stayed with the bear and called law enforcement.

The motorist was reportedly startled but uninjured.

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“This is a reminder that black bears and other wildlife are frequently seen along this stretch of roadway and throughout other rural areas of Martin County,” MCSO said in a post to Facebook. “Please stay alert, especially during the early morning and evening hours, and be prepared for animals that may suddenly enter the roadway.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has removed the bear, and traffic is flowing normally through the area.