Black bear struck, killed on Akron highway

AKRON >> Authorities say a tagged black bear from Pennsylvania has been struck and killed on a highway in Ohio.

Akron police say the male bear was killed on Interstate 77 in Akron around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.

A spokeswoman with Ohio’s Division of Wildlife says biologists estimate the bear was 4 years old and weighed 225 pounds. Spokeswoman Jamey Emmert says there had been numerous sightings of the bear throughout northeast Ohio since mid-May.

Emmert says the bear was likely searching for mate, adding that his chances of finding companionship in that part of Ohio were “slim and none.”

She says the bear never acted aggressively as it traveled through populated areas, although it would occasionally raid bird feeders and bee hives for a snack.