Bear cub Polaris, whose early months were captured on video as she played with her mother, has been killed on a road in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The cub died on 19 August 2026, according to the BEAR League, which released footage showing Polaris interacting with her mother in March.
Lake Tahoe bear cub deaths prompt warning to drivers
Polaris was one of six bear cubs killed in vehicle collisions in the Tahoe area over a two-week period, wildlife advocates said.
One cub was struck on Highway 89 on the west shore, two died along Highway 267 and three were killed on roads in South Lake Tahoe neighbourhoods. The BEAR League said the number of deaths had made this year particularly severe. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/lake-tahoe-bear-cubs-killed-crashes-advocates-slow-down/?intcid=CNR-02-0623))
Ann Bryant, executive director of the organisation, said bears were entering a period known as hyperphagia, when they forage intensively to build up fat reserves before winter.
The increased search for food means bears are more likely to cross roads, with the BEAR League warning that the risk will continue through November. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/lake-tahoe-bear-cubs-killed-crashes-advocates-slow-down/?intcid=CNR-02-0623))
The organisation is urging motorists to reduce their speed, remain alert and watch for young bears following their mothers across the road.
It has also called for more prominent mobile signs, including solar-powered displays, saying standard wildlife warning signs can become easy for drivers to overlook. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/lake-tahoe-bear-cubs-killed-crashes-advocates-slow-down/?intcid=CNR-02-0623))
