Bearing down on Reno

When I signed on to teach in Reno one day a week, I didn’t know what I was getting into. This morning, I got an email alert that I’d like to share:

University Police would like to inform you that two bear sightings on campus have been reported during the early morning hours of September 12, 2007. The last report was that a bear was seen near the Texaco gasoline station on Virginia at approximately 6:40 AM.

If you see one of these animals, please DO NOT APPROACH THE BEARS. CALL 911. Other safety tips include:

- Don’t try to get a “closer look”;

- Do not corner one of these bears;

- If there are 2 or more of you, stand close together to appear more imposing;

- Make loud noises, such as shouting;

- Try to avoid eye contact, as some bears find this threatening behavior;

- Don’t turn your back or run.

Remember - if you see one of these animals, please DO NOT APPROACH THEM. CALL 911.

Growing up in Atlantic City and spending most of the rest of my life in LA and Las Vegas, I’ve never had to deal with bears much. This email told me what not to do, but not what to do. Strategically retreat? I dunno. I’m heading out for lunch now, and hopefully won’t run across any angry wildlife. This sounds like something out of the Borat movie, but I imagine that it’s no laughing matter.

Still, there’s something kind of cool about a bear alert in the middle of a mid-sized American city. I wonder how often this happens.