South Reno residents received an unexpected visitor this weekend when a bear roamed the neighborhoods near Veterans Parkway and Curti Ranch. Video footage shared with 2 News Nevada shows the animal moving through the area around 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Why bears are showing up now

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) explained that the sightings are not typical for this part of town, but they are not unheard of because the area lies at the base of the Virginia Range. Bears are currently in a phase called hyperphagia, during which they eat almost nonstop to build the fat reserves needed for winter. In this period a bear can consume up to 20,000 calories a day, and the search for food can lead them into residential neighborhoods.

How residents can help

NDOW officials emphasized that unsecured garbage, pet food, bird feeders and even scented items left in vehicles can attract a hungry bear. To reduce the risk of unwanted encounters, they recommend the following steps:

• Secure all trash in containers with tight-fitting lids until collection day.
• Bring pet food indoors and store it in sealed containers.
• Remove bird feeders during the bear’s hyperphagia season.
• Thoroughly clean grills after each use to eliminate food residue.
• Check cars for food wrappers, snacks or other scented items before driving.

These simple actions help keep both people and wildlife safe.

What to do if you encounter a bear

Seeing a bear in a neighborhood can be startling, but NDOW advises residents to give the animal plenty of space, never approach or feed it, and allow a clear path for it to move on. If a bear appears aggressive, injured, or poses a public‑safety threat, callers should contact the NDOW Bear Hotline at (775) 688‑2327.

Additional resources

For more detailed guidance on living safely around bears, residents can visit the NDOW “Living with Bears” webpage, which offers tips on preventing encounters and protecting property.

The recent sightings serve as a reminder that even in South Reno, where bears are not a common sight, taking basic precautions can prevent unwanted interactions and protect the local wildlife that is an important part of Nevada’s natural heritage.

Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.