Large black bear struck and killed on Highway 101 in Goleta

A large black bear was struck by a big-rig and killed Monday on Highway 101 in Goleta, according to the CHP.

The incident occurred in the northbound lanes just as it was getting light, CHP Sgt. Shawn Stevens said.

The bear, which weighed 300 to 400 pounds, appeared to be crossing from the mountain side of the freeway toward the coast, Stevens said, and received a glancing blow from the semi-trailer. The animal ended up in the center median.

The trucker was not injured, and his vehicle suffered only minor damage, Stevens said.

This was the second incident in recent weeks involving a bear in Goleta.

On May 11, a black bear was discovered roaming the Winchester Canyon neighborhood. It eventually was tranquilized and relocated to Los Padres National Forest.

“This was not the same bear,” Stevens said. “That bear was much smaller. This one was much bigger and older.”

This story was originally published June 13, 2016 at 6:08 PM with the headline "Large black bear struck and killed on Highway 101 in Goleta."