225kg Black Bear Under Manhunt Captured After 1 Year and 6 Months

Black Bear Causes Disturbance After Trespassing in Luxury US Home
Also Raids Refrigerator After Coming Down to Residential Area

A black bear that caused a commotion by trespassing into luxury homes near Lake Tahoe, California, USA, has been captured after being 'wanted' for 1 year and 6 months.

On the 7th, BBC reported that a black bear nicknamed 'Hank the Tank' was finally caught after more than a year on the run.

According to the report, this black bear had been roaming around the Lake Tahoe area since last year, breaking into homes 28 times. The bear also caused 152 incidents of various sizes, such as coming down to residential areas, breaking doors, and rummaging through refrigerators.

The black bear is known to be an enormous female weighing over 225 kg. Typically, female bears weigh about 125 kg, so this black bear is about twice the size of an average bear. The bear was nicknamed 'Hank the Tank' because it barged into locked houses like a tank.

Earlier, Peter Tira, spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), said, "Hank has learned to use its size and strength to get inside homes," adding, "It can push its way in through garage doors, enter through front doors, or come in through windows."

A black bear that broke into a residential area near Lake Tahoe, California, USA. [Image source=California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website]

It was also identified that this bear was not alone but accompanied by three cubs. Authorities subdued the bear safely by shooting it with a tranquilizer, but many citizens expressed sympathy for the bear. The reason the bear came down to residential areas is because its habitat was invaded by humans. Accordingly, some local residents reportedly left food for the bear to eat.

After it became known that the bear might be euthanized following its capture, public opinion opposing euthanasia also emerged. A local resident defended the bear in an interview with local media, saying, "Hank does not attack people or growl."

The CDFW announced that due to the 'broad interest' from citizens, the bear will be sent to a wildlife sanctuary in Colorado. Additionally, the three male cubs who often accompanied their mother during the break-ins will undergo rehabilitation training and are expected to return to the wild someday.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.