For the second time this month, a hit-and-run driver has claimed the life of a Yellowstone bear, as the body of a cinnamon-colored female adult black bear was found in a ditch along the Grand Loop Road, east of the entrance to Blacktail Plateau Drive, about halfway between Mammoth Hot Springs and Tower Junction.

The animal’s injuries indicate she probably darted out of the forest into the road and was struck by a passing vehicle.  There were no witnesses, and no accident report has been filed with rangers.

This is the second bear killed by a car in the park so far this summer.   A male yearling grizzly was discovered dead along US Highway 191 in early June, after another unreported accident. 

More than 100 large animals a year are killed in traffic accidents in Yellowstone. Most of these accidents happen after dark, in bad weather, or involve vehicles exceeding the speed limit.

Drivers who accidentally strike an animal in the park are asked to report the incident at the nearest ranger station.

Image courtesy of the National Park Service.

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