The Bear Valley Police Department is warning residents to be extra cautious on local roads after a driver struck a bull elk Monday evening. The elk died the following morning.
Police said the collision happened around 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2025, on Bear Valley Road near San Juan Drive. The elk was standing in the roadway when a westbound driver rounded a curve and hit the animal.
The vehicle suffered significant damage, but the driver was not injured. Officers said the resident was driving the posted speed limit, and distracted driving was not involved.
Sgt. Rivera monitored the elk for about an hour to determine whether it needed medical treatment. The animal stayed on its feet and was able to move.
At 5:30 a.m. on Dec. 9, a Volunteer in Police Service (VIPS) wildlife specialist checked on the elk again and determined the animal was mortally wounded.
Police say elk sightings are common in Bear Valley Springs and are reminding drivers to stay alert. They emphasize reducing speed at night or in low-visibility conditions to avoid wildlife collisions.
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