Troublesome black bear had to die, wildlife officials say

RENO -- State wildlife officials said they were forced to euthanize a 4-year-old black bear that was causing trouble at Lake Tahoe and tore the siding off a house in Incline Village.

Nevada Department of Wildlife spokesman Chris Healy said officials had been searching for the 250-pound male bear for nearly a month after it damaged the house and was seen getting into garbage.

Wildlife officials responded to a new complaint in Incline Village on Wednesday morning. Healy said they found the animal in a culvert, and wildlife department bear dogs gave chase.

Healy said the bear turned and showed bold behavior, indicating it was not afraid of humans.

He said officials shot the bear with a tranquilizer dart and later put it down after it was positively identified as the one they were after.