Beloved Bear ‘Todd’ Appears To Have Died In I-90 Crash, Police Say

AUSTIN, MN — A black bear that became an unlikely local celebrity in southern Minnesota appears to have died after being struck Sunday on Interstate 90 in Freeborn County, according to Austin police.

The Austin Police Department said it was aware of a bear struck on I-90 early Sunday morning. Based on the photos and location, police said the bear appeared to have been “Todd,” who had become an overnight sensation in Austin and beyond.

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“Presumably he was trying to make his way back up North,” the department wrote in a Facebook post.

Todd became known locally after his sightings inspired online posts and “AI-Appearances” from businesses in Austin and as far south as Mason City, Iowa, police said.

There were even special Todd donuts at a local business, according to police.

“Todd’s legacy in Austin will definitely be remembered,” police wrote.

The post drew hundreds of reactions and comments from residents who were saddened by Todd’s apparent death and floated ideas for how the bear should be remembered.

Some suggested a permanent memorial in Austin.

“Someone should do a log carving of him and place it at Todd Park,” Luis Yauger wrote.

Jordan Barclay wrote that “a bear statue monument at Todd Park would be an awesome idea.”

Others suggested that Todd be preserved and displayed at a local nature center.

“Isn’t there a way that the community can maybe pull together and do a taxidermist for Todd to have him put in over at the nature center here in Austin,” Jody Patzner wrote.

Cassie Gaul said Todd was more than an “internet sensation.”

“He was a community unifier,” Gaul wrote. “He will absolutely be remembered by soo many of us.”

Several commenters questioned whether Todd could have been relocated before reaching the interstate, while others urged people not to blame the driver who hit him.

“Cars driving at 60-70 miles per hour are not going to be able to stop in time to miss a large animal that can change direction swiftly,” Michelle Gossman wrote. “Bears can move very fast for their size.”

Kristin Kay Rowland Haberman also expressed concern for the driver.

“Is the driver of the vehicle that hit him okay?” Haberman wrote. “That had to have been really scary and dangerous to hit something on an interstate travelling at a high speed that they probably didn’t even see.”

Other commenters simply mourned Todd.

“Todd brought more than just the Austin community together,” Louann Zuehl wrote. “He brought smiles and joy to many.”

Community members are already discussing possible memorial ideas, according to the department.

“You all have such big hearts,” police wrote. “To Todd, we know you are in a place now with all you can eat fish and honey, and trees to sleep in! Thank you for bringing this community closer in your short journey.” The department ended the post with the hashtag #ToTodd.