Black bear dies after collision in Twiggs County

A black bear died in Twiggs County on Friday after it was hit by two vehicles in the early hours of the morning. 

Officials say the collision happened on I-16 near mile marker 21 around 12:30 a.m. 

According to the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office, the two drivers involved included a citizen and a sheriff’s deputy. The citizen reportedly struck the bear first, followed by the deputy in a patrol car.

The deputy was transported to a hospital in Macon after sustaining minor injuries in the crash, but was released shortly after. No one else was injured. 

The Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office later announced the crash on social media, along with the information that the bear had succumbed to his injuries following the crash.

They also used the social media post to highlight safety tips while traveling at night when visibility is limited. The tips included wearing your seatbelt, reducing your speed, staying alert, avoiding distractions and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.

“Wildlife can enter the roadway without warning, leaving drivers with very little time to react. Collisions involving large animals can cause vehicle damage and serious injuries,” an official wrote. “Please remember that your safety and the safety of others depend on the decisions you make behind the wheel. Even a short drive can present unexpected dangers.”