Animals
Black Bear Struck By Motorist While Crossing I-40 In Tennessee
A Tennessee highway was partially blocked Friday morning after a vehicle struck a bear, officials said.
The Knoxville Police Department warned motorists shortly before 9 a.m. Friday that one westbound lane of Interstate 40 was temporarily blocked near Chilhowee Drive following a bear strike.
According to police, the bear was attempting to cross I-40 when it was struck by a vehicle. The vehicle involved sustained “minor” damage, and no injuries were reported.
As of 9 a.m., a Tennessee Department of Transportation map showed the lane had been reopened.
There has been an uptick in black bear encounters around the state in recent weeks, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). In late spring and early summer, yearling and adolescent bears leave their mothers and strike out on their own.
TWRA encourages residents to report black bear sightings, and follow best bear practices including securing all trash and food attractants.
