A fully grown black bear was hit and killed at around 6:15 Thursday morning on Highway 154 near Cold Spring Bridge, said CHP spokesperson Officer Jeremy Wayland. The car’s driver — who told authorities he was traveling eastbound at 55 mph — was not injured in the accident, but his car, a BMW, was totaled.
The collision appeared to have broken both of the bear’s hind legs, said Wayland. The Department of Fish and Game was called, but the animal died before representatives arrived. Wayland said the bear’s body was then transported in a Caltrans truck to a Chumash “spiritual leader” for ceremonial purposes. Chumash representatives were not immediately available for comment.