3 bear cubs taken to Scottsdale sanctuary after mother hit by vehicle

PHOENIX – Three bear cubs were taken to a Phoenix-area wildlife rehabilitation center after their mother was hit and killed by a vehicle early Monday morning, authorities said.

The mother was likely killed instantly in the accident on State Route 77 south of Winkelman, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Tucson office.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety said a trooper, with help from the Hayden Police Department and a citizen, was able to gather up two of the cubs.

The third cub was captured after an Arizona Game and Fish Department officer arrived, DPS said.

This morning, troopers from District 6, Oracle, responded to a crash involving a bear on SR-77 at Dudleyville. The bear was deceased. With help, the trooper was able to capture the bear’s 3 cubs and turned them over @azgfd. #CourteousVigilance pic.twitter.com/2g7ZTGaYBK

— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) April 29, 2019

One responder was treated for a scratch after the rescue.

Game and Fish transported the cubs to the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale.

The nonprofit organization said the cubs were in good health.

Experts will monitor the young bears’ condition over the next few weeks with the intention of returning them to the wild eventually.

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