Bear struck, killed by car in Apopka

APOPKA, Fla. – A Florida black bear was stuck and killed by a vehicle Friday morning in Orange County, wildlife officials said.

The bear was found lying in the median near the 2300 block of Hiawassee Road in Apopka.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said a biologist was called to the scene to investigate the death.

Video from News 6 helicopter Sky 6 showed the dead bear in the grassy median.

No other details are known.

Living near bears

The FWC on Thursday provided Florida homeowners with tips on how to cut down on bear encounters as mating season approaches and the animals become more active. 

Florida Fish and Wildlife officials said mating season begins June 1 and with it comes warm weather, which means the bears are moving out of their winter dens in search of food. The cubs that were born weighing 12 ounces at the end of January are now growing and and need more to eat.

Officials recommend:

• Securing garbage in the garage or a wildlife-resistant container
• Putting garbage out on the morning of trash pickup, rather than the night before
• Keeping commercial garbage in a bear-resistant dumpster
• Protecting compost, beehives, livestock and gardens with electric fences
• Feeding pets indoors
• Cleaning grills and storing them in a secure place
• Removing wildlife feeders
• Picking ripe fruit from trees and fallen fruit from the ground

Drivers are encouraged to be cognizant of bear crossing-signs and slow down when driving on rural highways, particularly at dawn or dusk.

Anyone who is having conflicts with bears is asked to contact a regional office, or call FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 to report someone harming or threatening bears.

Click here for more bear safety tips.

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