Bear killed crossing 98, leaves behind cub

Wild life biologists are still looking for the cub of a Florida black bear that was struck and killed this morning.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission was called to an area of U.S. Highway 98 west where it intersects with Lighthouse Point, a residential subdivision, around 5:41 a.m. on May 21.

Upon arrival, FWC biologists noted a dead 200-pound female black bear that had been struck by a car.

"We think someone who was driving a Honda Accord struck the bear," said Stan Kirkland, FWC regional spokesperson, based on a piece of the vehicle left at the scene. "It was an unavoidable strike, which is typical at night because they're black. They're very difficult to see when they get out on the highway."

The bear had been lactating, which suggests it had a cub.

For more on this story, see the May 27 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.