An Asian black bear, classified as a “vulnerable species” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was yesterday killed in a suspected hit-and-run on Highway 304 in Prachinburi province — an area notorious for such incidents.
Padon Ngamleu, Nadi district chief officer, received a report at about 4am that an accident had occurred around the kilometer 79 mark of the Kabin Buri-bound highway, near Thap Lan National Park, according to Thairath. The infamous road divides two sides of the, Unesco World Heritage-listed, Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex.
When officials arrived on the scene, the 200-kilogram male bear was reportedly lying face-up on the side of the road with severe blows to the head and jaw. Authorities believed it died immediately after the collision.
After examining footprints that resemble that of a bear’s and signs of scavenging in a fruit farm and corn field across the street, Padon believed that the creature had crossed the street looking for food when it was hit by a presumably large truck.
However, there were no witnesses or broken vehicle parts in the area to confirm to this.
Khanchit Srinoppawan, head of the Khao Yai National Park, said he is working with provincial police to track down the perpetrator, adding that a wild guar was killed around the same area just two years ago.
The long list of accidents involving animals on the stretch of road had prompted protests by environmental advocates, who voiced their concern over the safety of wildlife in the area.
A reportedly 2.9 billion baht project to widen the dual-lane highway to four lanes was launched in 2015 and expected to be completed by the end of this year. The project includes overpasses and tunnel that will enable wildlife to cross the road safely.
