Rare creature hit and killed by car along paved road in Utah state park. ‘Tragic’
A rare creature was hit and killed by a car in a state park, Utah officials said.
The black bear was discovered on the side of a dirt road that runs parallel to the paved road where it was hit, Bear Lake State Park said in a May 14 Facebook post.
The crash happened near Cisco Beach on the Utah side of the park, which spans the border with Idaho, officials said.
“This loss is particularly tragic, as black bears were once native to this valley but were nearly wiped out in the late 1800s and early 1900s due to overhunting and habitat loss,” officials said in the post. “Seeing one return to the area is a rare and powerful reminder of the wild beauty that once thrived here. Unfortunately, that beauty is too often met with danger on our roads.”
Officials urged visitors to slow down and use caution, especially in crowded parks.
“Please remember — wildlife do not follow crosswalks. Whether it’s deer, moose, or in this rare case, a black bear, animals move through this landscape as they always have,” officials said. “As more people travel to enjoy Bear Lake, it’s critical that we drive with extra caution, especially at dawn and dusk.”
A photo shows the bear lying on its side at the edge of the road — and looking almost like it’s peacefully asleep.
“Let’s honor the memory of this bear by keeping our eyes open, slowing down, and respecting the land we share with the wild,” officials said.
This story was originally published May 16, 2025 at 2:46 PM with the headline "Rare creature hit and killed by car along paved road in Utah state park. ‘Tragic’."
