JUST IN: Dead bear hit by driver and dumped in Arlington, AWLA says

Authorities believe they know how a bear found in a garbage bag in Arlington died.

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington recently released a statement (see below) saying the bear was struck by a motorist on I-66 in Prince William County and then transported to Arlington and illegally released.

The driver is reportedly a VDOT contractor.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. this afternoon, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) was notified by the Department of Wildlife Resources that a company contracted by the Virginia Department of Transportation (not VDOT employees) has claimed responsibility for the incident. They stated that the bear was struck by a vehicle on I-66 in Prince William County and workers subsequently transported it to Arlington and illegally dumped it via an overpass onto the Custis Memorial Trail.

The dead bear was discovered by a woman walking her dog near Spout Run, north of the courthouse and adjacent to I-66.

The Animal Welfare League is “working with the Department of Wildlife Resources to determine whether charges will be filed for this egregious behavior,” AWLA said.