Bear spotted on Carson City freeway before heading to nearby park
Several callers to Carson City dispatch reported Wednesday morning that a bear was in the median off of I-580 and College Parkway.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife, Nevada Highway Patrol and sheriff's deputies were alerted to the bear, at around 10:40 a.m. The bear was then seen on a bike path near Emerson Drive after reportedly being on the freeway.
It was last spotted at 10:45 a.m. roaming Ronald D. Wilson Memorial Park off of James Drive and Mark Way. NDOW was directed to the park.
We will update as more information becomes available.
Late last month, multiple bear sightings were noted around North Carson City. According to Ashely Sanchez from the Nevada Department of Wildlife, at this time of the year, Hyperphagia is starting to kick in for black bears, which means its time for them to fatten up for winter.
“This is a period when they try to build up enough fat reserves to go into hibernation for the winter months,” said Sanchez. “This means anywhere along the foothills, both near the Carson Range and the Virginia Foothills, bears will be searching for an easy meal to build up the critical 25,000 daily calories they need.”
Whether people realize it or not, says Sanchez, humans are providing great resources from wildlife, whether it be from fruit trees and garbage to green grass and water sources located at golf courses.
“Any attractants that are not secured become a food reward, which not only causes the bear to return to that area for future visits, but also shows them it’s okay to approach humans for food,” said Sanchez.
This could become a safety hazard, as bears that become comfortable around humans may eventually lead to conflict over what they determine are their food resources, she said.