Another bear, the third within three months, was killed by a passing vehicle at the National Network of Florina-Thessaloniki, at the "Kleidi" Amyntaio location. On Friday evening, October 20, 2017, the ARCTUROS Instant Response Team (IRT) found a dead bear cub in the middle of the pavement.

The unfortunate animal had been hit on the head by a vehicle and his death was probably instantaneous. There were no tire tracks on the pavement, suggesting that the bear cub probably went in front of the passing vehicle at the last second and the driver didn’t have the time to break. At the point of the accident there is a bridge and so it is most likely that the bear cub had entered the road network from another point and then went looking for some way out, got disoriented and trapped moving alongside the roadway. In its attempt to cross over, he was hit by a vehicle whose driver left without warning the authorities.

The IRT of ARCTUROS moved the bear cub to the edge of the pavement and then informed the Forestry, the Shelter and the Police.

The new accident in the area highlights intensely this serious problem. This is the 14th incident with bear casualty reported in this area of the local road network since 2003. In 2017 there have been two more fatalities, one just three weeks ago.

Although this area is known to be an important natural passage for wildlife, this section of the new highway continues to be unrestrained and many drivers continue to move at high speeds, increasing the chances of an accident. ARCTUROS repeatedly calls for measures to ensure the safety of both drivers and wild animals. Indicatively, it is proposed to install temporary signage and light signaling system, as well as to regularly monitor the speed of passing vehicles.

Wising this was the last road accident in the area.

(Press Release of the Environmental Organization "Arktouros")