South Lake Tahoe bear that was a "danger to public safety" euthanized, officials say
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife says it has euthanized a bear that is a known danger in the South Lake Tahoe area.
The department says the bear has broken into homes and vehicles and, just last weekend, broke into a locked trailer, attacking the camper inside at Emerald Bay State Park.
That woman was sent to the hospital with cuts and bruises on her arms, Fish and Wildlife said.
"After being awoken by the bear trying to gain entry, the camper attempted to scare the bear off by banging pots and pans, screaming at the bear and making a loud commotion. Undeterred, the bear forced its way into the trailer and swiped at the camper," Fish and Wildlife said.
The bear's two cubs have been taken to a wildlife rehab facility, CDFW added.
Wildlife advocates decried the animal's death.
"This unnecessary injustice - and the accompanying dishonesty - breaks our hearts and raises serious concerns about the decision-making of those in charge. But we find some solace knowing the cubs could not be in better human hands than those at Gold Country," the BEAR League wrote in a posted to their social media accounts Tuesday.
Human encounters with bears have become increasingly common in California, prompting concern from both wildlife managers and residents.
