Black bear killed in collision with SUV near London, Ont.

WARNING: This story contains an image some readers might find graphic.

Carlee Stewart had no idea what she hit while driving home from work in London, Ont. early Friday morning. All she knew is that it was big.

She wasdriving alongEgremontDrive just after midnight about 20 km west of London when she hit something big enough to deploy the air bags in her SUV.

A neighbour heard the crash, grabbed a flashlight and came out to investigate. That's when they both saw the black bear dead in the ditch.

"I couldn't believe my eyes. I had heard about bear sightings in the area, but I couldn't believe I hit it. It was crazy."

Stewart did not suffer any injuries.Fearing a mother bear could be in the area, she and the woman gotin the carand phoned police.

"I called my mom right away. I was pretty scared, I was freaking out. I've never been in an accident before."

Bear sightings

There have been at least three bears sightings, and now one collision, in the last month or so in southwestern Ontario, in areas not normally known for their bear populations.

The OPP is reminding residents that bear sightings can be reported to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry by using the bear hotline at 1-866-514-2327.

Carlee Stewart, who was driving when the bear and her SUV collided, shared these photos with CBC.