VERMONTVILLE — On Sunday, July 28, a motorist called the state Department of Environmental Conservation stating that he had struck a bear cub with his car on state Route 3 in the town of Franklin.

Environmental Conservation Officer James Cranker responded and located the bear, which appeared to be favoring one leg.

Cranker followed the bear a short way into the woods, keeping an eye out for a mother bear. Cranker and DEC wildlife biologist Jim Sickles, along with DEC wildlife staff, tranquilized the bear and determined it had a broken front leg and scrapes, though the injuries appeared to be non-life-threatening.

The bear was taken to Cornell University in Ithaca for rehabilitation. It is slated to be released when it returns to full strength.