The Nevada Department of Wildlife is reminding people on the legality of feeding bears following the attack of a Kings Beach woman who reportedly fed bears for years.
“When people three miles away from Incline Village are feeding bears, essentially trying to domesticate them, that creates a problem for everybody whether it is the Nevada side or the California side,” said Chris Healy with NDOW.
Healy says it is important to realize that even though bears may act friendly, they are still wild creatures.
“Anytime you start feeding wild animals, they are less wild than the day before,” he said.
In 2013, Nevada lawmakers approved Senate Bill 371 which makes it illegal to feed bears and other big game animals.
The first offense is a written warning followed by a $250 fine, and then $500. In December, an Incline Village woman was given a written warning, a first under the new law.
To report illegal feeding of bears, you can call the bear hotline at (775)688-2327 (BEAR).
