A black bear in California, known for past encounters with humans and breaking into residences, was euthanized after attacking a camper near Lake Tahoe. This incident left a woman with a cut and a bruise, necessitating a trip to the hospital, as reported by officials.
The woman was asleep in her camper when the bear, around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, made its presence known. Attempts to scare the bear away—yelling, slapping, and banging pots—were ineffective, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Despite these efforts, the bear managed to enter the trailer, causing injury to the woman. Later that morning, the bear was found inside the camper, prompting concern among other campers at the site.
Due to being a public safety concern, the bear was tracked to another campground the following day, where it was euthanized by a ranger. DNA tests confirmed it was indeed the bear responsible for the previous attack on the woman.
Wildlife officials had been trying to capture this bear since June 17 following several reports of aggressive behavior. Notably, on June 10, the bear had even broken into a car where a child was seated.
Steve Gonzalez, a spokesperson for the Department of Fish and Wildlife, emphasized that euthanasia is a last resort, but safeguarding human lives takes precedence. He mentioned that every bear-related incident undergoes extensive review.
In a related note, two bear cubs were successfully captured and taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Northern California.
Residents and visitors in the Tahoe area frequently encounter bears, and Gonzalez reminded everyone to securely store food to minimize interactions.
