In a dramatic effort to put an end to a string of home invasions and property damage, wildlife officials in California have successfully captured a notorious black bear known as "Hank the Tank," along with her three cubs. This large female bear had been wreaking havoc in the South Lake Tahoe area for over a year, prompting the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to take action.

According to the CDFW, "Hank the Tank" was responsible for nearly two dozen DNA-confirmed home break-ins and extensive property damage between February 2022 and May 2023. The bear acquired its nickname based on visual observations made by the public, although it turns out that multiple bears in the area have been given the same moniker.

Due to the bear's destructive behavior, wildlife biologists from the CDFW made the difficult decision to transfer her 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. Meanwhile, the cubs will potentially be relocated to Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, a permitted wildlife rehabilitation facility. Wildlife officials are optimistic that the cubs can unlearn the negative behaviors they have picked up from their mother during the home invasions and eventually be released back into the wild.

This captured bear is not the only troublemaker 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. Specifically, bear 64F, as she is formally registered by the CDFW, has been linked to at least 21 home break-ins and extensive property damage since 2022. DNA testing confirmed her involvement in these incidents. Notably, 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. However, before the bear can be transported to The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, she must undergo a veterinary examination to ensure her health and well-being. Similarly, 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 as well.

Wildlife officials have been closely 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.

The capture of "Hank the Tank" marks a significant step towards addressing the issue of home invasions and property damage in the South Lake Tahoe area. Wildlife officials are hopeful that, with the bear's removal, the community can finally find some relief from the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, efforts will continue to rehabilitate the cubs and prepare them for a future release back into the wild.