A small bear that roamed near downtown Reno on Thursday morning was safely captured after wildlife officials said it climbed down from a tree and entered a “culvert trap” under its own power.
Officials say the bear is being processed to determine sex, age, and other vitals. NDOW says the bear is expected to be released sometime Thursday.
Earlier Thursday morning, the bear was spotted near Fourth Street between Edwards Way and Cemetery Road, prompting a response from the Reno Police Department and the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Reno police said the bear was heading westbound toward I-80, and officers were following it to ensure it returned to the wild or could be transported back to the wild. The Division also deployed a drone to monitor the bear.
Nevada Department of Wildlife officials said biologists and game wardens were working in the area of Fourth Street to locate the bear, with Reno police assisting in the effort.
Officials said spring is when bears are most active and that younger bears are wandering farther from their homes, which can lead to situations like this. The agency also reminded the public to stay “bear-aware” and remove outdoor attractants, including locking trash cans.
The public was asked to avoid the area and allow authorities to safely capture the bear.
