4 times in 11 days: Bear struck, killed on I-4 in Central Florida

Florida wildlife officials called to scene near John Young Parkway

ORLANDO, Fla. – A bear was struck and killed Wednesday morning on Interstate 4 in Orlando, the fourth fatal crash involving a bear on the interstate in the last 11 days, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.

The most recent crash happened around 5 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-4 near John Young Parkway.

"This guy, unfortunately, tried to cross I-4, and he ended up getting hit by a car," said Mike Orlando, FWC assistant bear program coordinator.

The bear ended up along the shoulder of the highway, but the incident did not cause any traffic slowdowns in the area.

It's not known who struck the bear, and Orlando police said there were no signs of car damage left at the scene. The FWC later confirmed that the bear had been struck by a vehicle.

The FWC said the other three crashes that left bears dead on I-4 occurred:

  • June 15 on I-4 at mile marker 121 
  • June 16 on I-4 at Exit 114 (State Road 44) 
  • June 24 on I-4 in Lake Mary

In addition, a bear was struck and killed June 22 on Williamson Boulevard near the I-95 overpass. 

"Bears are very seasonal," Orlando said. "Dispersal is essentailly young bears are trying to get out of their home ranges, where they grew up with mom, and try find territory of their own."

He said bears typically move at night and follow train tracks or power lines. He said bears have been spotted previously in the city of Orlando.

"It's happening all over the state right now," Orlando said. "These young dispersing animals are just moving across the landscape, and they have to cross roads and, unfortuantely, they get hit by cars."

The FWC offered tips to help keep bears -- and humans -- safe.

"We encourage citizens to be more bear-wise, meaning to understand bear behavior and not put human attractants, such as trash or other human generated food sources, out that the bear can get in," the FWC said in a statement. "Also, please allow the bear to move to natural areas and not try chasing it to get video or pictures. This can scare the bear up a tree and cause other problems."

To keep bears away from homes, the FWC said people should follow these simple tips:

  • Secure household garbage in a sturdy shed, garage or a wildlife-resistant container. 
  • Put household garbage out on the morning of pickup rather than the night before.
  • Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters.
  • Protect gardens, bee yards, compost and livestock with electric fencing.
  • Encourage your homeowner’s association or local government to institute ordinances to require trash be secured from bears.
  • Feed pets indoors or bring in dishes and any leftover food after feeding.
  • Clean grills and store them in a secure place.
  • Remove wildlife feeders or make them bear-resistant.
  • Pick ripe fruit from trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
  • Screened enclosures are not secure and will not keep bears out.
     

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