A terrified bear cub clinging to a tree after its mother and two siblings were killed by a car has been rescued by kind-hearted cops.

The cub was found squealing in distress as it hung onto the tree after watching as its entire family was mowed down on Massachusetts Route 2 highway, Greenfield, Franklin County, Massachusetts, on the evening of 9th April.

The Greenfield Police Department said in a statement: “This evening at approximately 8:43pm, Greenfield Police Officers responded to Rt 2 for a mother bear and 2 cubs that were killed after being struck by a car.

“Upon arrival, officers heard squealing and found a very scared third cub that was able to seek refuge and safety by climbing a tree.

“Knowing the danger the now orphaned cub was in, Officer Lagoy and Purinton, were able to rescue the cub.

“They placed it in the back of a cruiser and brought it to the station. AMR assisted us by providing a kennel to keep him safe.”

A photo shows the poor cub appearing terrified in a cage after its family had been killed.

The police added: “We will protect and care for the cub overnight until a wildlife specialist picks it up and brings it to Tufts in the morning for care.”

According to reports, around 500 black bears live in the state of Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife said between 30 and 40 bears are killed in road accidents every year.

Bears are most active between dusk and dawn, when the majority of accidents occur.

Increased traffic volume and loss of habitat are the main reasons for the increase in collisions in recent years.