CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. — A black bear was fatally struck by a vehicle Tuesday night on Highway 5 near the Camden-Laclede County line, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.
A Lake of the Ozarks woman was driving home Nov. 26 when she hit it a few miles south of Camdenton. Although her car was totaled, the woman was unharmed. Â
MDC Conservation Agent Tyler Brown confirmed that the male bear was retrieved from the scene. A biologist collected hair samples for DNA testing, as well as pulled a tooth to determine the bear’s age and potentially trace its origin through existing samples from other bears in Missouri.
"This bear was unknown to us—as far as the agency's concerned, we've never had any history with it," Brown said.
The bear’s hide will be tanned and used for educational programs in the Lake of the Ozarks region, while its meat was donated, according to Brown.Â
MDC Media Specialist Maddie Fennewald encouraged anyone involved in similar incidents to prioritize safety. After moving off the road to a safe location, she said to contact the local conservation agent and report the incident.Â
Local conservation contact information is available on the MDC website.
