RICHLAND COUNTY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Over the weekend, a black bear was put down after being struck by a pickup truck along State Route 546, near Black Road in Richland County.
The incident prompted a swift response from wildlife officers and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, who arrived at the scene shortly after the collision.
Regrettably, wildlife experts assessed the bear’s injuries and determined that it had to be euthanized due to the severity of its condition.
Black bears are a rare sight in Ohio and classified as endangered within the state. This incident marks only the fifth confirmed black bear sighting in Richland County since the early 1990s, highlighting the significance of these creatures in the region.
Local agencies are urging residents to report any black bear sightings, as this information is crucial for researchers studying bear populations, their habitats, and migratory patterns. To report sightings of black bears or other rare wildlife, please visit: Wildlife Reporting System | Ohio Department of Natural Resources