Beloved bear euthanized after hit-and-run in California

TAHOE CITY, Calif. (KOVR) – A beloved bear in California needed to be euthanized after it suffered critical accidents in a hit-and-run crash.

Specialists with California Fish and Wildlife mentioned a automobile drove off after hitting the 400-pound bear, affectionately recognized to space residents as Papa Bear.

The animal’s accidents had been so extreme that he needed to be euthanized. Officers estimate Papa Bear was between 15 and 18 years outdated.

Ann Bryant, government director at Bear League, mentioned Papa Bear was left struggling within the snow, and he or she knew his probability of survival was “fully hopeless.”

“The disrespect proven to him, and simply leaving him mendacity alive on the facet of the highway like he’s nothing, that actually damage individuals,” Bryant mentioned.

Whereas Bear League calls the driving force’s actions immoral, California Fish and Wildlife mentioned the hit-and-run wasn’t unlawful.

“There’s no authorized requirement to cease and render assist to the injured animal,” Captain Patrick Foy with California Fish and Wildlife mentioned. “In reality, we actually go so far as recommending in opposition to approaching an injured animal.”

Nevertheless, whereas he doesn’t suggest approaching the animal, Foy mentioned the most effective factor to do is name 911 and anticipate assist to reach, which didn’t occur on this case.

Foy’s hope is that different drivers be taught from this tragedy and bear in mind to decelerate.

“Drivers should be cautious; they should observe the velocity limits and acknowledge that these bears can leap out at any second,” Foy mentioned.

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