Raynham

Bear That Was Stranded on I-495 Median in Mass. Later Died

The bear was apparently injured and seemed to be hiding in a grove of trees near the highway

By Asher Klein • Published July 1, 2022 • Updated on July 1, 2022 at 9:56 am

An injured bear being taken out of the median on I-495 on Raynham, Massachusetts, on Thursday, June 23, 2022. The bear later died, officials said. — NBC10 Boston

A bear that stopped traffic on Interstate 495 in southern Massachusetts last week later died despite efforts to save it.

The bear had appeared to be injured and was stranded in a highway median in Raynham on June 23. The highway was briefly shut as authorities worked to get the animal tranquilized and moved to safety.

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But the bear died while being taken to an animal hospital, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife said Friday, after being contacted by NBC10 Boston. The bear likely had a broken back, though it wasn't clear how the animal's back was broken.