Reno, Nevada Couple Receive Death Threats After Sheriff Department Euthanizes Bear On Their Property
ByA black bear that had been getting a little too comfortable with residents of a Reno, Nevado condominium complex was euthanized after one couple notified local authorities. Animal sympathizers unhappy with the decision have been leaving the couple death threats, USA Today reported.
The bear had its chances, according to Richard and Adrienne Evans, who have now filed a report with the Sheriff's office after threats via email and telephone. It had been captured and re-released before for the same issue. The Nevada Department of Wildlife decided it posed too great of a threat for a second chance and put it to sleep, USA Today reported.
"The bear was so used to people, it was becoming dangerous," Department spokesman Chris Healy said. "This was unfortunately an example of a bear that had to be euthanized."
Yet, the 263-pound black bear may never have had a real chance. According to Ms. Evans, other residents of the condominium had been feeding it regularly, which is illegal. When it broke into the Evans' car and destroyed the inside several times, it was probably looking for food, even though Adrienne claims there was none. Other times, the bear would plant itself in a sectioned-off entrance way, according to USA Today.
Since the beginning of the summer, five bears have been trapped and killed by the department. Every incident spurred public outcry, leading the sheriff to write an open letter in the town's newspaper charging residents with employing bullying tactics.
"We did the right thing," said Evans, a teacher at Carson City high school and a competitive mountain biker. "I love bears. I really do."