RENO, Nev. — Nevada Department of Wildlife officials safely captured a mother bear and her two cubs Sunday after the animals were spotted at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.
NDOW said it received its first report of the bears around 3 p.m. As calls and sightings increased, game wardens and a wildlife biologist responded to the park.
The bears were not acting aggressively or causing problems, but because of the number of people in the area, wildlife officials decided to tranquilize them as a precaution.
After several hours, crews safely darted all three bears. NDOW identified them as an adult female, estimated to be about 10 years old, and her two female cubs.
No members of the public, NDOW staff or bears were injured.
At one point, the bears made their way into the Wilbur D. May Arboretum, where the Dragon Lights festival was underway. NDOW said the festival was not interrupted.
Wildlife officials collected DNA and other biological samples from the bears and fitted the mother with a GPS collar. The collar will allow biologists to track her movements and learn more about her behavior.
The mother and her cubs will remain together and are expected to be released back into the wild Monday.
NDOW said bears are currently in hyperphagia, a period when they consume as many calories as possible before winter. Bears may spend more time in neighborhoods and other developed areas while searching for food.
Residents are encouraged to secure trash and other potential food sources and give bears plenty of space if they encounter one.