View the full image Photo by Ken Farley

In what many had hoped would be a return to the wild for a large black bear tranquilized Tuesday morning on the west side of Carson City, ended in tragedy as the 19-year-old animal died in transit, where it was later discovered he had a brain tumor.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife had been contacted by concerned citizens and the Carson City Sheriff's Office regarding the bear, which was wandering the neighborhood near Minnesota street.

As it turned out the bear was unhealthy, had not eaten for a while and was exhibiting strange behavior such as walking in circles, which had led some to believe the bear may have been hit by a vehicle, said NDOW spokeswoman Ashley Sanchez.

"The bear was tranquilized with the full intention of releasing it into the wild. However, an NDOW veterinarian noted the condition of the bear was poor and the bear was expected to pass. The bear died during transport," said Sanchez, noting wildlife specialists did a necropsy, which is basically an autopsy, and saw that it had a brain tumor.

"It it was our intention to release him into the wild, but the bear succumbed to the tumor," she said.

Many bears are out and about foraging for food before winter. Areas most at risk of attracting bears due to access to garbage and other attractants are the Lake Tahoe Basin, west Carson City and the foothill areas of Douglas and Washoe counties.

If you have question or if your safety is at risk, or if you have an encounter with a black bear or a mountain lion, or if an attack occurs, contact the Department of Wildlife's Dispatch office at (775) 688-1331 or (775) 688-1332.