Shortly before noon today,
#OttawaOPP responded to reports that a bear had been struck by a vehicle on
#Hwy7. The driver did not remain at scene.
#OPP officers located the injured bear in the center median. It had visible, serious injuries to its hind legs. All efforts were made to see if it was possible to save the bear, which was a youngling. OPP contacted By-Law, the NCC, and MNR to see if it was possible to have the bear captured and rehabilitated. Unfortunately, there are no local facilities. The bears condition worsened, causing it to suffer. A decision to dispatch an animal by the OPP is always made on the basis of whether it is potentially dangerous or suffering. Officers were forced to make the tough decision to put the bear out of its misery. It's always unfortunate when an injured animal needs to be dispatched. If you are involved in a collision with an animal, report it to police right away in the event there is the ability to still save the animal.
#OttTraffic ^mf