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Two endangered brown bears were hit and killed by passing vehicles in Kozani, Northern Greece, this week.

The bears were killed in separate incidents by cars as they were trying to cross the Kozoni-Siatista road and Egnatia motorway.

Conservation group Callisto said the two consecutive incidents demonstrate the severity of wildlife collisions and roadkills, a recurring problem in Greece, particularly in the north of the country, which is home to a large protected brown bear population.

The organization is urging authorities to take additional safety measures and motorists to exercise greater caution.

Callisto is calling on drivers traveling along national and provincial roads in Western Macedonia, particularly in areas known for wildlife activity and marked with warning signs, to observe speed limits and remain vigilant. Especially during the night and early morning hours, when wildlife activity is higher.

Motorists who encounter a bear on or near the road are advised to slow down, avoid attempting to overtake the animal, refrain from using headlights or horns to chase it away and remain inside their vehicles.

The organization is reiterating its call on local authorities and motorway operators to strengthen measures aimed at preventing wildlife collisions. Proposed actions include maintaining and reinforcing specialized fencing along the Egnatia Odos motorway, regularly inspecting and promptly repairing damaged sections to prevent animals from entering high-speed traffic lanes. Callisto is also calling for the installation and maintenance of electronic warning signs and animal-detection sensors, the deployment of deterrent systems, and improvements to existing wildlife crossings, including underpasses and overpasses, to allow animals to cross roads safely.

Late last month, a two-year-old brown bear was found dead with three gunshot wounds near Vrontero, northern Greece.