State police say a tractor trailer struck and killed a bear Tuesday morning along Interstate 95 near Richmond, days after multiple bear sightings in the area including one near Virginia Commonwealth University.

State police say the driver was uninjured and doesn't face charges.

Police say at about 4:45 a.m. a 2006 Freightliner was traveling north along the highway a mile south of Bells Road when it collided with the animal, killing it instantly.

The accident followed days of sightings of large, bear-like creatures around the city, including around downtown Richmond's Monroe Park, near VCU.

Two sightings were reported in Chesterfield County last week.

Animal experts say spring is when bears emerge to forage for food.