Fake News. Yes the above story is fiction. But it is a fictionalized account of something that could happen. In fact, a tragic accident like this is more probable than just possible. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission tells us that collisions with vehicles continue to be the primary cause of death for bears in Florida, with over 230 bears killed annually, accounting for over 80% of known mortality. In addition, vehicle-bear collisions are an increasing threat to motorists and causing injuries and costly damage to vehicles. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, since 2008 there have been more than 10,000 vehicle collisions with animals (at least 10% of which were bears), with a total estimated damage to vehicles and property of more than $32,000,000. Over 1,800 of these collisions involved injuries to people, with one known fatality attributed to a collision between a motorcyclist and a bear in 2009 on State Road 40.

The Florida Black Bear National Scenic Byway believes that the addition a Flashing Light Bear Warning Sign would be a valuable tool in vehicle-bear collision mitigation measures. The existing traditional bear warning signs are helpful but the flashing light signs go much further to get a drivers attention to the risk. We advocate for a flashing light sign on SR 40 near the 445A intersection. The planning and budgeting for improvements to SR 40 are underway at this time. We need public input on this issue. You can support this effort by writing to Matthew R. Gibbs, P.E. Comprehensive Engineering Services, Inc.  E-Mail:mgibbs@cescivil.com with copies to Marcus Lisicki, FDOT E-mail: marcuslisicki@dot.state.fl.us  and Calzaretta, Claudia, FDOT email: claudia.calzaretta@dot.state.fl.us