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Deputy wrecks car trying to avoid apparent bear

FILE - In this May 17, 2015, file photo, a Louisiana Black Bear, sub-species of the black bear that is protected under the Endangered Species Act, sits in a water oak tree in Marksville, La. U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said the bear that inspired teddy bears is coming off the list of threatened species. She spoke Thursday, March 10, 2016, at the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge, which is at the heart of the Louisiana black bear's domain. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File) FILE - In this May 17, 2015, file photo, a Louisiana Black Bear, sub-species of the black bear that is protected under the Endangered Species Act, sits in a water oak tree in Marksville, La. U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said the bear that inspired teddy bears is coming off the list of threatened species. She spoke Thursday, March 10, 2016, at the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge, which is at the heart of the Louisiana black bear's domain. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

By Staff Report March 16, 2016 1 min read

A Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputy wrecked his car near the intersection of Sequoyah Road and Highway 27 after a large dark animal, likely a bear, ran into the road.

The deputy says he swerved to miss the bear, but ran off the road and rolled the car. Another motorist also witnessed the large dark animal, but like the deputy was unclear what it was.

The deputy was transported to the hospital, but experienced no serious injuries.

As warmer weather approaches, officials say motorists should expect increased animal activity near roads and other highly traveled areas.