Officials say heat might have cut bear hunt participation

RENO — The first bear hunting season in Nevada history began Saturday with a protest and few hunters in the field.

Nevada Department of Wildlife spokesman Chris Healy said only six hunters turned out on the opening day of the season and no bears were killed.

He said the low turnout wasn’t surprising because of the hot weather, and wildlife officials expect activity to pick up in the fall when temperatures cool down.

Wardens said bear hunters spread out over a wide area of western Nevada, including in the Carson Range on Lake Tahoe’s east shore where most of the state’s 200 to 300 adult bears are located.