Image Courtesy of NPR.
He’s on the run from a criminal past. According to authorities, he’s racked up 33 cases of breaking and entering, 102 police responses, and 152 reports of “conflict behavior.” Police are scrambling to find and catch him before any more damage is done.
But who is this dangerous perpetrator? Why, he’s a five-hundred pound black bear named Hank the Tank! And it turns out, he might not be that dangerous after all.
The community of South Lake Tahoe, California has been witness to Hank’s adventures for the past seven months. It seems that he’s developed a taste for human food, mainly pizza, causing him to roam the streets and break into homes. Hank’s ravenous too; he weighs 300 pounds more than the average black bear and never went into hibernation this winter as he was too busy searching for tasty grubs.
Multiple deterrents, such as paintballs, bean bags, sirens, and tasers, to stop Hank in his rampage but to no avail. While these measures might have scared normal bears, Hank is not bothered. The curious black bear is all pizza, fuzz, and moxie.
Residents of South Lake Tahoe were worried that Hank’s escapades would eventually lead to violence, but he’s proved them wrong. He’s caused extensive property damage, using his large stature to break through doors and windows, but he’s never hurt a human. Some even classify him as gentle and sweet. “He just sits there and eats,” a resident said. “He doesn’t growl. He doesn’t make rude faces.” Another resident says that the thought of Hank does not keep her up at night.
Although Hank is relatively friendly, this doesn’t mean that all bears are. Black bears are known for being the most threatening and territorial of the species. It’s not uncommon for them to break into homes and attack humans. In some cases, these attacks can be fatal.
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), more bears have been roaming in human neighborhoods this year than previously. Their population has tripled over the past thirty years and recent fires have decimated their natural habitats, leading them to search for homes and food in garbage cans, cars, and homes. As Lieutenant Jeff Roberson states, “[The bears have] figured out how to operate car doors to get food from inside. A couple of them have figured out how to work French doors to get into houses. One mama bear was seen teaching her cubs how to get into that French door.”
It’s no surprise that Hank was solely blamed for these break-ins,but on February 25, new DNA evidence was found that suggests Hank is not alone. The CDFW stated that “while recent incidents of bears invading homes were originally thought to be a single bear, DNA evidence collected proves that at least three bears were responsible for breaking into numerous residences.”
Hank’s journey exploded on social media, with thousands of people calling for him to be saved instead of possibly euthanized. Bear League, a Wildlife Rescue Service in California, wants to transfer Hank to their facility. Executive Director, Ann Byrant, is leading the mission. “We believe he’s one of our neighbors and he’s only doing what he’s been taught to do,” she said.
So many people are concerned about Hank, that the South Lake Tahoe police have asked people to stop calling. “Please stop calling to give your opinions about Hank,” a statement from them reads. “We do not have a say in where Hank lands. Our local wildlife agencies are working together to find the best option for Hank. No one wants to see him euthanized. They are searching for an option that will be good for his mental/physical health, and the safety of our local residents.”
Even though Hank is far away from Saratoga Springs, nature reminds us that bears and other critters are always close by. As recently as 2018, bears have been found roaming around Saratoga’s woods, looking for food and places to hibernate! Additionally, students at Skidmore College received multiple alerts about fox sightings last summer.
Hank’s fate remains to be seen but animal lovers everywhere hope that there is a peaceful solution and that he remains safe and well-fed.