PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office responded Tuesday morning to a wildlife incident involving an injured bear along Highway 108.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies were dispatched around 7:16 a.m. May 12 to the area of Highway 108 and Eaton Road after reports of a bear being struck by a vehicle.

When deputies arrived, they found the bear suffering from severe injuries. The sheriff’s office said deputies contacted the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for guidance on how to handle the situation.

Following instructions from DNR, deputies humanely euthanized the bear using a rifle to end its suffering. Officials said the bear began convulsing after the initial shot, requiring a second shot.

Authorities noted that wounded wild animals, including bears, can become unpredictable and pose a danger to the public, particularly near roadways and residential areas.

At DNR’s request, the bear was left at the scene for agency personnel to collect later.

The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office said deputies acted in accordance with guidance from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in an effort to humanely end the animal’s suffering.