In a bid to put an end to a series of home invasions and property damage, wildlife officials in California have captured a massive black bear known as "Hank the Tank." The bear, a large female, was captured along with her three cubs by wildlife biologists from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) early on Friday. According to the department, the bear is responsible for nearly two dozen DNA-confirmed home break-ins and extensive property damage in the South Lake Tahoe area between February 2022 and May 2023.

The bear acquired its nickname, "Hank the Tank," based on visual observations made by the public. The CDFW revealed that the bear is one of multiple bears identified as "Hank the Tank" by the public. Due to the bear's destructive behavior, it is being transferred to the Wild Animal Sanctuary near Springfield, Colorado. The hope is that by removing the bear from its current environment, it will discontinue its negative behavior.

As for the cubs, they will potentially be relocated to Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, a permitted wildlife rehabilitation facility, in the hopes that they can also discontinue the negative behavior learned from their mother during the home invasions. The ultimate goal is to release the cubs back into the wild.

The captured bear is not the only one to have caused trouble in the area. It is part of a group of large bears that have gained notoriety for wreaking havoc in the South Lake Tahoe community. This particular bear, formally registered as 64F by the CDFW, has been linked to at least 21 home break-ins and extensive property damage since 2022.

The bear's involvement in these incidents was confirmed through DNA testing. The CDFW used this method to identify multiple bears, including at least four “Hanks” responsible for causing problems across a wide stretch of land between Northern California and Nevada. These bears were connected to about 150 incident reports, which included break-ins and damage to over 30 properties.

The operation to capture "Hank the Tank" and her cubs was carried out by wildlife biologists, who safely immobilized the animals. The bear will be transported to The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, a sprawling refuge spanning over 33,000 acres. However, before the transfer, the bear must undergo a veterinary examination.

The cubs, who have been accompanying their mother during the home invasions, will potentially be relocated to Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue in Pentaluma. The hope is that they can unlearn the negative behaviors they have picked up and eventually be released back into the wild. One of the cubs was reportedly seriously injured in a vehicle strike earlier this month but is still mobile and will receive a thorough veterinary examination.

Wildlife officials have been monitoring "Hank the Tank" since last year. In March, they discovered her and her cubs denning under a home in South Lake Tahoe. At that time, the bear was temporarily immobilized, and tracking devices were attached for identification. Although she managed to shed the tracking collar in May, authorities were still able to identify her through DNA samples taken from the properties she targeted.

The decision to separate the bear from her cubs was made because the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department can only approve one placement. Relocation is typically not an option for conflict animals due to concerns that the conflict behavior will simply be relocated to a different community. However, given the widespread interest in this particular bear and the significant risk it poses to the South Lake Tahoe community, the CDFW decided on an alternative solution to ensure the safety of both the bear family and the local residents.