A black bear weighing an estimated 500 pounds by N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission officials was found dead last week alongside N.C. 131 outside of Bladenboro.
Elizabethtown’s John Inman found the animal lying in grass near the road Wednesday, March 15 and posted a picture on Facebook.
Perry Jacobs of Whiteville said on social media that it was his Honda Pilot that collided with the bear. N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission biologist Colleen Olfenbuttel confirmed to the Hickory Independent Tribune the accident happened about 2:30 a.m. on March 15.
Jacobs posted a picture on Facebook showing the damage to his vehicle. He said the vehicle was declared a total loss.
“He was running cross from those ppl yard real fast,” Jacobs replied to a Facebook post. “I slammed on break (sic) but it was too late .. He was running from something, probably those dogs was barking at him. I expect a deer but this was way different to me … Bad timing.”
“With black bears, the peak in vehicle collisions is in the fall,” Olfenbuttel told the Independent Tribune. “We also see a peak for male bears in May and June, which is breeding season and they are moving around for females.”
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