WASHOE COUNTY SUPPORTS COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TO ADDRESS URBAN BEAR INCIDENTS
Reno, Nevada. October 23, 2007. At their October 23 Board meeting, Commissioners authorized Washoe County staff to devote resources and staff time to the Sierra Front Bear Working Group plan. The Sierra Front Bear Working Group consists of multiple state and local agencies with a common goal to address the increasing problem of human-bear contacts and activity in Washoe County.
Due to the dramatic increases in bear complaints in 2007, the Washoe County Board of Commissioners directed staff to reconvene the Sierra Front Bear Working Group. Washoe County’s contribution to the group’s plan is to dedicate $5,000 to a community-wide education and awareness program and, as funds become available, contribute a minimum of $50,000 for the installation of wildlife proof trash enclosures at Davis Creek Park. This effective community plan will be implemented by the participating multiple agencies with varying responsibilities. These include education, public safety, ordinance enforcement, natural resource management, community planning, legislation and funding.
Over the next year, the Sierra Front Bear Working Group will prepare a Community Bear Management Plan and implement an initial education and awareness campaign. The group includes representatives from Washoe County Animal Control, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County Community Relations, Community Development and Health Department, Washoe County Manager’s Office, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Douglas County Code Enforcement, Incline Village General Improvement District and Waste Management.
Citizens are reminded to call 911 for any encounter with a bear that threatens human life. All other bear-related calls should be made to the Nevada Dept. of Wildlife at (775) 688-1331.