The black bear cited near Newark was struck and killed by a vehicle Tuesday night.
The black bear seen around Newark was struck and killed by a vehicle on Route 1 Tuesday night.
The accident happened about 11 p.m. on Route 1 near School Bell Road in New Castle, according to the Delaware Natural Resources Police.
Delaware State Police and the Delaware Department of Transportation removed the bear.
Wildlife biologists with the Department of Natural Resources and Economic Control will conduct an examination of the bear to try and determine where it originated, its age, sex and other information that might be helpful in tracking other transient black bears that venture into Delaware from surrounding states that have resident black bear populations.
“We understand the community’s interest in the bear,’” said Joe Rogerson, a DNREC wildlife biologist. “It’s always unfortunate when wildlife is lost in such a manner. Our team will be examining the bear to gather information.”
Over the past several days, DNREC wildlife biologists and DNRP officers had been actively coordinating reports of black bear sightings with local authorities in the Newark area.
Affectionately known as “Delabear” on social media and among local watchers, bears in Delaware have garnered significant attention and concern from the community.
The expansion of black bear populations in neighboring states such as Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania has led to occasional sightings in Delaware.
Don’t feed, shoot at bear
The DNRP has trained officers to handle situations involving transient black bears from surrounding states.
For public safety, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife advises residents to follow these precautions if a bear is reported in the area:
Do not approach, touch, feed or shoot at the bear. Back away slowly to give the bear space. Go inside and wait for the bear to leave. Once inside, contact the DNRP at 800-523-3336 to report the sighting.
Eliminate potential food sources by cleaning or removing anything outdoors that may smell like food.
Keep pet food indoors, especially for dogs and cats.
