Black Bear with Rpd Badge .jpg

A small bear was seen in downtown Reno around 10 a.m., prompting a response from the Reno Police Department and the Nevada Department of Wildlife in the area of 4th Street between Edwards Way and Cemetery Road.

Reno Police Department said the bear is heading westbound toward I-80, and officers are following it to ensure it returns to the wild or can be transported back to the wild. The Division deployed a drone to monitor the bear.

Nevada Department of Wildlife said biologists and game wardens are now in the area of 4th Street trying to locate the small bear, with Reno Police assisting in the efforts.

Officials added that 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 is asked to avoid the area and allow authorities to safely capture the bear.