A bear lying in the median on Highway 1 in Abbotsford that caused traffic mayhem Tuesday morning had to be euthanized.
Passing motorists reported seeing a possibly injured black bear lying down in a grassy section of the median before 8 a.m.
Abbotsford Police Department members arrived to find a bear “that appeared to have been struck by a vehicle,” and sustained serious injuries, said Const. Art Stele, media relations officer for Abby PD.
Police received reports of wildlife on Highway 1, east of Whatcom Road at about 7:37 a.m.
“In consultation with the Conservation Officer Service the decision was made to unfortunately dispatch the bear, due to the severity of its injuries,” said Stele.
At 8:42 a.m. highway traffic was cleared and the hazard removed, police said. The factors that lead to the bear being on the highway are still unknown, and Abby police will be collaborating with conservation personnel to determine the root cause.
✅#BCHwy1 - Eastbound wildlife incident has cleared. All lanes available. #AbbotsfordBC https://t.co/rthJk0qMew
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) October 3, 2023
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