BUTLER TWP — A bear cub hit by a big rig on Route 8 south early this morning had to be destroyed, authorities said. The driver was not injured.

A passing motorist called 911 about 1 a.m. to report seeing the injured animal. Butler Township police suspect that the young black bear cub may have run into the side of a northbound tractor-trailer.

The unknown driver did not stop.

The animal was reportedly still alive. Officers got there and found the young black bear badly injured on the east berm of the road between the AK Steel entrance and the Comfort Inn.

An officer put down the bear with his service pistol, said township police Chief John Hays.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission was notified about 1:30 a.m. and a conservation officer was to haul away the carcass later today.