RENO, Nev. (AP) — A man is suing the Nevada Department of Wildlife claiming that it defamed him in a presentation by suggesting his bear-advocacy work could be "domestic terrorism."

The Reno Gazette-Journal reported Tuesday that the lawsuit filed by Tahoe-area wildlife activist Mark E. Smith targets wildlife biologist Carl Lackey, game division administrator Brian Wakeling and deputy director Jack Robb.

The complaint by Smith claims Lackey conducted a presentation to law enforcement officers in Truckee, California, in which he accused Smith of "domestic terrorism" for his advocacy work against the Department of Wildlife's bear management practices.

Smith is co-founder of the Nevada Wildlife Alliance. He is a frequent critic of Lackey and the department, which he says mismanages Nevada's bear population.

The Department of Wildlife released a statement declining to comment at this time.