Alberta Fish and wildlife investigating after dead bear’s paws removed after crash

A black bear reportedly struck and killed by a vehicle was found with its paws removed east of Edmonton on Sunday.

According to Alberta Fish and Wildlife, just before noon, officers received a report that the bear had been hit on Highway 16 east of Vegreville. Highway maintenance was called to remove the bear from the road.

When they arrived, crews witnessed what they believed was a person removing the paws, Fish and Wildlife said in a news release Tuesday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Vegreville Fish and Wildlife at 780-632-5410 or the 24-hour Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.