PRESS RELEASE – At approximately 5:30 in the morning on April 25, 2025, deputies with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to make a report in reference to a motor vehicle accident with an animal.

A female driver informed deputies that she hit a bear with her car around 4:30 a.m. at the intersection of Prather Bridge Road and Lake Louise Road in Toccoa.

Around 7 a.m., Stephens County 911 dispatchers began receiving calls about an injured bear trying to climb an embankment in the area where the accident occurred.

Deputies and DR Rangers were able to locate the animal.

Rangers determined that the bear, which was approximately 300 pounds, had sustained severe and life-threatening injuries from which it would not recover.

They also determined the bear to be a danger to the public due to its survival instincts when injured.

According to Ranger T.R. Dooley, a bear will enter fight-or-flight mode when injured.

If an injured bear cannot flee and feels threatened by humans, it will become aggressive and likely attack.

To keep the public safe and render humane treatment to the injured bear, a DR Ranger on scene fired his service weapon to euthanize the animal.

“Someone could have been seriously hurt if the bear stayed alive in the condition it was in,” said Ranger Dooley.

As warmer weather sets in, Stephens County residents should expect more bear sightings.

Bears are becoming more active in the springtime in search for food, water, and shelter.

To keep bears away, Ranger Dooley advises residents to minimize access to trash and food sources. Make sure your trash, pet food, bird seed, etc. are stored in secure containers if you don’t want a bear befriending your home this spring.

If you do see a bear or have an accident, please call Stephens County 911 so our deputies and DR Rangers can do their best to protect you and our wildlife.