Bear ‘Hank the Tank’ Caught in California Home Invasions

California wildlife officials have successfully captured a massive black bear known as “Hank the Tank,” following a series of home invasions that occurred over the course of the past year.

Teams of dedicated wildlife biologists from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) managed to apprehend this formidable female black bear, along with her three cubs, during the early hours of Friday.

According to the CDFW, “Hank the Tank” has been directly implicated in nearly twenty confirmed instances of breaking into homes, each verified through DNA analysis, as well as causing significant damage to properties within the South Lake Tahoe vicinity.

These incidents spanned from February 2022 to May 2023, leaving local residents and officials greatly concerned.

Drawing from public reports and visual sightings, the CDFW was able to identify the bear as “Hank the Tank,” a name given by the community in response to the bear’s notable size and audacious behavior.

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Swift Transfer: ‘Hank the Tank’ Bear to Find Refuge at Wild Animal Sanctuary

 

Taking swift action, the captured bear is now scheduled for transfer to the Wild Animal Sanctuary located near Springfield, Colorado, where it will be provided with a suitable habitat and care.

As for the cubs, plans are in motion to potentially relocate them to the Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, a CDFW-approved wildlife rehabilitation center. This decision is made with the intention of breaking their learned negative behavior patterns, which they acquired while accompanying their mother during her home invasions.

In an effort to ensure the cubs’ eventual reintegration into their natural habitat, the CDFW has set its sights on releasing them back into the wild, thereby contributing to the preservation and protection of California’s wildlife.

This undertaking showcases the agency’s commitment to both safeguarding communities and promoting the well-being of its native animal species.

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Source: FOXNews