Tahoe-area bears becoming active

INCLINE VILLAGE -- Despite a healthy snowpack that covers most of their habitat, some black bears are starting to emerge from hibernation and draw wildlife officials' attention at Lake Tahoe.

Carl Lackey, a biologist for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, said he set a trap last week for a bear that was sighted and showed little fear of humans in Incline Village on Tahoe's north shore.

Lackey said bear sightings are uncommon, but not unheard of this early in the year.

"Late March is a little more common for bear sightings, but we've had bears that are active all winter, so this isn't too unusual," he told the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza.

Lackey also responded to a report of a small bear that has been living under a couple's back deck in Incline Village.