Problem bear gets captured, euthanized

CARSON CITY -- A black bear that has been captured and removed from urban areas at least four times over the past few years was destroyed by wildlife biologists after it was found roaming a Carson City neighborhood.

Carl Lackey, a biologist with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, said the 6-year-old bruin was captured two years ago on the steps to the Capitol building, once on Colorado Street and in Reno four years ago. Each time the bear was captured, he was released into the wild, only to return, Lackey said.

"We gave him every kind of opportunity, and he continued to hang around in downtown Carson.

"That's just no good for a bear. It's a public safety issue," Lackey said. "We release dozens of bears every year. We release far more bears than we euthanize."