A bear marauding in Lakeview may end up on a hit list if residents don't stop putting out their garbage.
Carl Lackey, Nevada Division of Wildlife biologist, said the last thing he wants to do is kill another bear.
"I don't want to go up there and kill another bear," he said. "People need to still keep their garbage in."
Lackey had to kill two bears in July after they started breaking into people's houses to find food.
"And within five weeks or so this other bear started raiding garbage cans," he said. "Killing bears and relocated bears isn't the right option."
Lackey said he had a call on the Lakeview bear Monday morning.
"If I can trap him, I can do a spank and release," he said. "As soon as he breaks into a house, there is a death warrant out for him."
Snow on the ground is no guarantee that bears have started their long winter's nap.
"They typically begin to hibernate in late November or early December," he said. "There is always the chance that if there is food available year around, they will stay active year around."
Lackey tried to trap the bear for a week, but the animal didn't cooperate. He hopes that if the bear finds there is no food available, he will move on.
The Division of Wildlife publishes a brochure, "Living in Bear Country? Live with the Responsibility."
You can help:
The Nevada Division of Wildlife publishes a brochure, "Living in Bear Country? Live with the Responsibility." It is available by calling the Fallon office at 423-3171.
Home Depot sells bear-proof containers.
Tips for dealing with bears
- Wait until the morning of pickup to place garbage outside.
- Use bear-proof garbage containers available through commercial dealers. Dumpsters with lockable metal lids work well, as do trash can enclosures made of chain link fencing or 2 by 4 framing.
- Keep pet food cleaned up and secluded.
- Clean barbecue grills after use.
- The feeding of any wildlife, even birds, may inadvertently attract bears.
