Pastor calls for prayers for nuisance bear

INCLINE VILLAGE - A Nevada pastor is asking parishioners to pray for the capture of a 700-pound bear that has wreaked havoc on homes and property in Incline Village, including a local church.

"Pray that this bear(s) which have done over $70,000 plus damage to homes and now a church is caught and relocated," the Rev. Dick Randall of the Village Church wrote in an email to congregants Saturday. "Pray also that it does NOT come back to our church."

On Nov. 21, the black bear managed to remove a handle and a push bar from a church door to make his way inside. There he feasted on 22 jars of peanut butter, cornflakes and other food items waiting to be packed in holiday food boxes for the needy.

"He proceeded into the kitchen, opened the freezer using the handle, and created no damage, except to the inside shelves, as he helped himself to a few cans of frozen orange juice and a few dozen sweet rolls," said Helene Larson, a member of the congregation.

The bear also left with a package of Ramen Noodle soup, which Larson said was found up the hill from the church, which sits on Lake Tahoe's north shore and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Larson said that the bear left with a package of Ramen Noodle soup the package was found up the hill from the church.

Nevada wildlife officials say the bear may be responsible for as much as $70,000 in damages to local properties.