Captured bear released into mountains in Nevada

A young black bear that was captured near homes in Gardnerville has been released into the hills west of the city, according to a Nevada wildlife official.

Department of Wildlife spokesman Chris Healy said Saturday the male bear was freed late Friday by biologists using aversive conditioning methods including the firing of rubber buckshot and pursuit by a Karelian bear dog.

Biologist Carl Lackey said the goal was to chase the bear from its trap and frighten it away from subdivisions and human developments in the future.

He said the result saves bears.

Lackey credited Gardnerville Ranchos residents with giving state officials a chance to tranquilize, relocate and release the bear after it was found up a tree.