Las Vegas Sun

May 3, 2024

Black bear released back into wild in Nevada after capture

MINDEN — A black bear has been released back into the wild in Douglas County, a day after its capture.

Nevada Department of Wildlife spokesman Chris Healy says the 350-pound male was released Thursday in Jacks Valley at the base of the Carson Range.

It was trapped near the area Wednesday after being seen as a potential threat to livestock, then fitted with ear tags, a satellite collar and a microchip.

When it was released, the bear was shot in the rear with a rubber slug and chased by dogs in an effort to re-instill its natural wariness of humans.

Healy says aversive conditioning lessens the bear's chances of killing livestock or breaking into homes.

Wildlife officials expect a busy year as bears expand their search for food over a drought-stricken landscape.

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