A bear cub was killed early Sunday morning when it walked into Montgomery Road and the path of a northbound SUV.
The accident was reported at 7:24 a.m. and Westfield Police Officer Douglas Lavalley responded.
He reports that the operator of the SUV said that the bear, a cub weighing 50-60 pounds, entered Montgomery Road from the east side of the roadway and he could not avoid a collision.
Lavalley reports the passenger side of the vehicle struck the cub and then the rear wheels drove over the bear which expired.
The Environmental Police were notified and an officer responded to take custody of the animal at 10:23 a.m., police report.
Marion Larson, the chief or information and education for the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, said Monday that the cub was probably born in January and was still living with its mother in her territory which probably covers 10-16 square miles. She said the adult bears are very active at this time of year as it is their breeding season.
Krista Selmi of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs said “It is important that residents do not intentionally or unintentionally feed bears. Residents should bring in birdfeeders, secure trash in an enclosed shed or building, clean up after picnics or barbeques, and remove any other potential food sources.
