Bear Cub Captured After Whitby Traffic Accident
Posted June 2, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
For the second time in less than a week a bear has garnered media attention in Durham region.
On Monday a black bear about a year-and-a-half old and weighing about 120 pounds, was hit by a car on Highway 12 at Dixon Rd., in north Whitby.
Ministry officials believe a pile of compost may have lured the animal from a nearby wooded area and onto the path of highway traffic.
Less than a week ago another bear was spotted in a Pickering neighbourhood. It was eventually caught and released into the wild.
“If you’re going to see bears in the G.T.A. at all, this is probably the time of year,” reveals Peter Waring of the Ministry of Natural Resources. “They’re hungry, and they are trying to roam a little bit more to look for food.”
Still, police say it’s very rare that a bear is hit by a car in the area.
“I’ve been an officer for about 33 years, it’s the first time…that I’ve seen it,” revealed O.P.P. Contable Jeffery Brittan.
Luckily, the bear is expected to survive.
“I think he’s got a little head trauma. I think he needs some rest and probably be ok,” said Jean Pare, veterinarian at the Toronto Zoo.
The bear, who’s been named Winnie, will be released back into the wild within the next day or two.
For more on bears in Ontario, click here.
