SUV hits bear in Southern Missouri; driver unhurt

KOSHKONONG, Mo. (AP) -- Vehicles striking deer are a common occurrence in Missouri. But a bear?

Connie Roberts of Brandsville in southern Missouri was driving a Chevy Blazer Sunday night as she, her husband and foster son returned home from a fishing trip when a black bear suddenly bolted into the roadway.

The SUV struck the bear. Roberts turned around to check on the animal but couldn't find it. A neighbor happened by and was able to locate the bear. Roberts says the bear swiped a paw at the neighbor, then died.

A Missouri Department of Conservation agent says the male bear appeared to be old and had ear tags from Arkansas.

Conservation agent Paul Veatch says bear numbers in Missouri are growing. He estimates the animal struck by Roberts weighed about 300 pounds.

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Information from: Daily American Republic, http://www.darnews.com