A motorist hit and killed a female bear Tuesday in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the fifth bear to be struck and killed by a vehicle this year, according to the National Park Service.
Park spokeswoman Dana Soehn said the bear was hit along Laurel Creek Road. She weighed about 120 pounds.
On average, 11 bears a year are killed by motorists, Soehn said.
"Typically roadkill is higher during bad food years when bears are on the move in search of food," Soehn told 10News. "This is a pretty good food year so we’re seeing less movement."
Laurel Creek is a well-traveled road that serves as a way to get from the Townsend Wye to Cades Cove.
Park visitors are seeing some bears out and about now.
Park officials urge the public, visiting the park in one of its busiest times, to always keep an eye out for wildlife.
They also warn against interacting with or getting near any animal. Getting too close could spook an animal, imperiling it or the visitor himself.