Judge denies protective order against Tahoe bear advocates

RENO — A judge at Lake Tahoe has refused to grant a protective order sought by an ex-Nevada lawmaker who says bear protection advocates have been harassing him since he initiated efforts to trap a bear that damaged his vacation home.

Incline Village Justice of the Peace E. Alan Tiras denied the request Wednesday, partly because the trap recently was removed from William O’Donnell’s property. But the Reno Gazette-Journal reports the judge indicated he likely would issue such an order if another trap is set and problems recur.

O’Donnell sought the order against the Bear League, its founder Ann Bryant and others who staged round-the-clock vigils near his home for several days to prevent the bear’s capture.

A Bear League attorney argued O’Donnell was to blame because he stored garbage and food in his garage.