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Bear Trap Pits Neighbor Against Neighbor

Posted: 5:32 PM Feb 21, 2012
Reporter: Terri Russell

Bear Trap Controversy

INCLINE VILLAGE, NV - Head up Saddlehorn Drive in Incline Village, and you can't help but see the bear crossings, bear statues, and bear decorations in the area.

But it's a particular female bear and her two cubs that are getting the most attention these days.

And the reason for a bear trap.

“It’s going to be killed and there are ways around that,” says Chris Bryan and Incline Village Resident.

Bryan and other bear advocates fear the worst for the bear that reportedly broke into 2 cars and damaged the side of a home in the last month.

Some have gone as far as putting ammonia by the trap to discourage the bear from coming near.

“We are being hindered in that effort by people who believe they are doing the right thing, and when in fact, the potential for a much more dire problem if they continue in that activity,” says Chris Healy from the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

The Bear League, another advocacy group for bears, says it is not responsible for the ammonia or any actions someone might take to prevent the bear's capture.

One woman whose car was broken into has filed a report with Washoe County Sheriff's Office says she's received threatening phone calls.

So heated the controversy another resident who made a complaint says he's more afraid of humans, than bears.