After allegedly breaking into practically two dozen properties, a feminine black bear and her three male cubs have been captured by wildlife biologists in South Lake Tahoe, based on the California Division of Fish and Wildlife.
The bear — whose DNA authorities say was discovered at 21 properties over the previous 12 months — is certainly one of a number of residents have known as “Hank the Tank.” Throughout her previous few house invasions, her cubs got here alongside for the experience, and collectively, the bear household has been suspected of much more break-ins and extra property injury, the state company mentioned Friday.
“Relocation will not be usually an possibility for battle animals over concern that relocating an animal will relocate the battle habits to a unique neighborhood,” the company mentioned in a press launch. “Nevertheless, given the widespread curiosity on this bear, and the numerous threat of a critical incident involving the bear, CDFW is using an alternate resolution to safeguard the bear household in addition to the individuals within the South Lake Tahoe neighborhood.”
Now, the 4 members of the family are headed their separate methods. After veterinary checks, the mom bear shall be despatched to a wildlife sanctuary in Colorado, whereas the cubs will go to a rehabilitation facility in Sonoma County. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has the authority to approve just one placement of this sort, CDFW mentioned.
In Sonoma, the hope is that the three bear cubs will study to lose their break-in habits and, ultimately, be match to return to the wild.
The state company has been monitoring the mom bear, whom they name 64F, since 2022. In March of 2023, she and her cubs have been found hibernating underneath a South Lake Tahoe residence — and after authorities immobilized the bears, they collected DNA proof and connected monitoring gadgets to the mom’s ear and neck. Additionally they implanted every bear cub with a microchip, just like these used to determine home cats and canines.
Although the mom bear quickly misplaced her monitoring collar, her DNA positioned her on the scene of the house invasions later that 12 months, CDFW mentioned.
One of many cubs is believed to have been injured in a automobile strike earlier this month, authorities mentioned, although he’s nonetheless cell. He, together with all of the bears, shall be totally examined within the days to come back.
