A bear was killed in a crash near South McCarran Boulevard and West Plumb Lane, a reminder that bears can be more active around Reno roads this time of year as they search for food before winter.
The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, in the area of South McCarran Boulevard and West Plumb Lane, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife said that the bear that died in the crash appeared to have been a younger, smaller bear, though likely not a cub. Wildlife officials said they’ll have more information once staff is able to process the bear.
As bears enter hyperphagia, a period when they spend more time searching for food ahead of winter, they may be more active around neighborhoods and roadways. The agency encourages drivers to be especially cautious during the early morning and evening hours, particularly as daylight hours continue to get shorter.
Wildlife officials also learned that someone removed a claw from the bear before the carcass was collected.
Taking or possessing parts of a bear without the appropriate authorization is illegal under Nevada wildlife law. Bears are a tagged species in Nevada, and members of the public should not remove claws, paws, or other parts from a carcass they encounter.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife said it will follow up once additional information on the bear is available.
