RENO, Nev. (AP) — Nevada figures show that 34 bears have been struck and killed on roads in the state so far this year, marking the second-deadliest year for bears on record.
The Reno Gazette-Journal reports the most recent bear deaths were on Wednesday when two bear cubs were killed on Mount Rose Highway near Reno.
Nevada's deadliest year on record was 2007 with 35 bears killed on roads.
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State Department of Wildlife spokesperson Ashley Sanchez says climate conditions are likely contributing to the high number of bear deaths.
The state's bear country has been unusually dry this year, reducing the amount of natural food sources in the forests.
When food is scarce, bears will often travel into urban environments to search for new sources.