A report Sunday morning from a motorist of what originally appeared to be an injured dog that was struck by a vehicle and lying in the area of Route 109 in New Milford turned out to be a bear.  Regional Animal Control says the call-taking officer contacted police, who noted that they received reports of an injured bear between Wellington and Chatfield Drive. 

When the animal control officer arrived, she found that the animal lying on the side of the road was in fact a yearling-sized black bear with serious, grave injuries.  The bear was bleeding from both its mouth and other areas of its body and was unable to lift its head and torso off the ground. 

State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection officers responded an euthanized the animal to prevent further suffering.  The driver was not on scene. 

Regional Animal Control officials say because bears or any other injured large animal in or alongside roadways can present a traffic safety issue, it is best to immediately contact your local police department or Troop A to advise of the situation.