Black bear killed in Khao Yai hit-and-run
A male Asiatic black bear was struck and killed by a vehicle, thought to be a large lorry, while crossing a road from Thap Lan National Park to its usual habitat in Khao Yai National Park in Prachin Buri yesterday.
The wild bear, weighing more than 200kg, was found dead about 4am, lying on the roadside in a pool of blood, at kilometre marker 82-83 on Highway 304 in Na Di district, said Pol Lt Col Mongkhol Chanploy from Wang Khon Daeng police station.
The bear had severe head injuries. Police did know exactly what type of vehicle hit the animal but it was most likely a lorry.
Padon Ngarmlua, chief of Na Di district, said there was no vehicle debris at the scene when he arrived.
He believed the bear was returning to its lair after foraging for food in Khao Yai National Park when it was hit. There were no lights along the route and the road was narrow due to construction work.
Chandit Chinnabut, head of the Khao Yai National Park forest protection unit, said the bear was hit on the national park side of the road. A passing motorist saw the body and alerted officials.
Officials found some damage to nearby corn and fruit crops on the edge of Thap Lan National Park, which lies on the other side of the road, Mr Chandit said, adding the bear may have fed there before heading home.
The carcass was taken to Khao Yai National Park office for examination before being buried.
Khanchit Srinoppawan, head of the park, said he was working with police to track down the driver.
He said the government was correct in building tunnels and bridges on Highway 304 so wildlife can cross it safely. This will greatly reduce the number of animals killed, he added.
“A wild gaur was killed by a car while crossing the same highway in 2016,’’ Mr Khanchit said.