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UPDATE: A sow black bear was killed when it was struck by a vehicle on Highway 191 in Gallatin Canyon Tuesday night.

According to officials, the vehicle struck a mother bear that was with two cubs in the 63000 block of Gallatin Road at around 11:05 p.m. When authorities arrived at the scene the mother bear was in the ditch and the two cubs were in a tree. The vehicle was reportedly totaled, but the driver was not injured, according to the incident report.

A Fish, Wildlife and Parks warden arrived at the scene and pulled the bear carcass off the road and into the woods where it will stay, according to FWP regional information and education manager Mel Frost.

The two cubs were not removed from the area by FWP because they are larger and will probably survive the winter on their own, Frost said.

It is unclear why these bears were in the area, Frost said, but a resident of the area said he saw garbage cans tipped over earlier this week not far from where the bear was hit.

In general this is an active time for bears who are preparing for the winter hibernation, Frost said.

"Bears are gathering food for winter. They're on a feeding frenzy. They're just looking for anything," she said.

While garbage is one attractant, others include apples on trees, bird feeders and pet food that are left outside, Frost said. She recommends picking apples from trees, taking down bird feeders and putting pet food in a secure, enclosed area. She also recommends waiting until the morning that garbage is collected to take it outside.

"This has been a big year for bear activity in general," she said.

The FWP always recommends to people hiking in groups of two or more to be alert and make noise, be aware of places where there has been digging, scratches on trees or animal carcasses, Frost said. Frost also recommends people carry bear spray and keep it holstered on your belt or backpack where it's readily available and not to keep it in a backpack.

Calls have been placed to the Montana Highway Patrol, and we will provide more information as it becomes available.