CANYON CO., CA (WCMH)–Authorities say a bear found dead near a southern California freeway had its paws and gallbladder removed, likely after it died.

NBC Los Angeles reports the bear was found near the 14 freeway near Sand Canyon Road, east of Santa Clarita in Canyon County.

Andrew Hughan, a spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said the bear was likely struck earlier this week by a vehicle before the body parts were removed. It was found with a gash in its abdomen, and its paws appeared to have been sawed or chopped off.

The gallbladder can fetch thousands of dollars on the black market, as it is believed to have medicinal properties. The bear’s paws can be cooked, the Los Angeles times reported.

“There were no signs of a gunshot, broken legs or hip — this was a crime of opportunity,” Hughan told the Los Angeles Times. “We are very confident it was hit by a car. This desecration of the body was done afterward.”What others are clicking on: