Bear Killed, Struck By Multiple Cars On Route 8 In Torrington: State Police

TORRINGTON, CT — A bear was killed after being struck by multiple cars Sunday night on Route 8 in Torrington, according to state police.

In a news release, state police said troopers from Troop B in North Canaan received a report around 9 p.m. of a motor vehicle accident involving a bear in the area of exit 45 of Route 8 southbound.

After further investigation, troopers determined a bear entered the roadway in a driver's path of travel and the driver was unable to avoid a collision with the animal, state police said. The driver reported no injuries.

Other vehicles later struck the bear in the roadway following the initial crash and sustained minor damages, which were documented as "animal strikes," state police said.

The deceased bear, which blocked the right travel lane, was moved out of the lane by first responders, according to state police.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection handled removal.