When Richard and Adrienne Evans started getting regular visits from a 263-pound black bear at their home in Reno, Nevada, they called the Nevada Department of Wildlife, which trapped and later euthanized the animal. The bear was a threat to public safety, department spokesman Chris Healy told USA Today.

The bear had previously been tranquilized for his activity in the area as recently as October, but members of the community—particularly the citizens group the Bear League—were not pleased with this most recent news.

"People have been giving me death threats," Adrienne Evans said. As soon as the traps were set outside of the Evans’s Incline Village home, the phone calls started. They called the house, Richard’s place of business.

Adrienne gave an example of one of the messages: "You'll be struck dead (and) if that bear dies you will have to leave Incline."

Bryant, founder of the Bear League, maintains that members are encouraged not to break the law in the name of the bears, but that as long as NDOW is killing bears, “emotions are going to be high."