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Three bears in Breckenridge area hit by cars and killed

Alli Langley
alangley@summitdaily.com
silhouette bear
Getty Images/Ingram Publishing | Ingram Publishing

A woman driving on Highway 9 south of Breckenridge last week hit two bear cubs, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and both died.

CPW Summit County officer Tom Davies said one cub was killed instantly, and the other was so badly injured that he euthanized it. The collision happened near Blue River either Tuesday, Sept. 15, or Wednesday, Sept. 16, he said. He encouraged drivers to pay attention to the road and slow down.

“I would guess that she was speeding,” he said. “People are always speeding like crazy on that stretch of the road.”



The day after the cubs were hit, a bear that Davies suspected was the mother was hit and killed in the same location.

He said it seems more wildlife have been killed by vehicle collisions on that section of highway this year, including at least two moose and one elk.



Spring and summer rains slowed plant growth, which has meant less food for bears, and they are actively seeking as many calories as possible now before entering hibernation, he added.

“There’s a lot movement this time of year with the seasons changing. Critters are going into the rut or bears are going into hyperphagia, and everything’s just moving more. It’s a time of year to be hyper-vigilant for critters on the road.”

Those with questions or concerns about bears can call Colorado Parks and Wildlife at (970) 725-6200 or visit http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LivingwithWildlifeBears1.aspx.


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