In South Lake Tahoe, California, a well-known California black bear faced a tragic end this week following an attack on a camper that left the individual injured. The incident occurred at a campsite near Emerald Bay State Park, where the bear broke into a trailer around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday. The camper, startled from sleep, attempted to fend off the bear using loud noises and banging on cookware. Unfortunately, these efforts proved unsuccessful, and the bear attacked, causing cuts and bruises on the camper’s arms and hands. She was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment.
Within hours of this alarming encounter, the same bear forced entry into a camper van that was occupied by teenagers, causing fear and alarm at the campsite. By Monday, wildlife officials tracked the bear to a nearby campground due to the bear’s escalating pattern of dangerous behavior, it was deemed a public safety risk and was euthanized by a State Parks ranger. Genetic tests later confirmed the bear was indeed responsible for attacking the woman.
Efforts by wildlife officers to apprehend the bear began back on June 17. This decision was compelled by the bear’s increasing interaction with humans, including breaking into properties and vehicles, even when people were present, evoking numerous emergency calls. One particular incident on June 10 involved the bear breaking into an automobile where a child was secured in a car seat, adding to the urgency to capture it.
Steve Gonzalez, representing the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, explained the difficulty such decisions pose. Euthanizing the bear was considered a last resort, as protecting human life is a fundamental concern. “It’s not a decision made lightly,” Gonzalez remarked. “Every incident involving a bear undergoes extensive review and requires numerous approvals.”
Fortunately, the bear’s two cubs were safely captured and have been relocated to a wildlife rehabilitation facility in Northern California. There, care providers aim to restore their ability to thrive in the wild. The presence of bears is common in the Tahoe area, making it vital for people residing in or visiting the region to practice vigilance and secure all food sources as a precaution, reiterated Gonzalez.