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A Massive 500-Pound Bear Sparks Fear in California
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A traditional black bear should not be underestimated. Bears are incredibly strong, fiercely territorial creatures. Fortunately, most of them generally realize that it’s wise to avoid human habitats and do not disturb us without a valid cause. Nevertheless, in California, there exists a bear that has completely disregarded its fear of humans. Its sole interest… is food.
An enormous bear, believed to weigh approximately 500 pounds, has been causing chaos in the suburbs of South Lake Tahoe and Sacramento for several months, raiding residential properties in search of sustenance. Locals have bestowed the moniker “Hank the Tank” upon this bear, who is currently being pursued for capture by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hank’s considerable size makes him immune to non-lethal deterrents like paintballs and tasers, and he remains unfazed by lights and sirens.
“These are residential areas, with a high population density, traffic, and vehicles. Therefore, we must handle this situation in a manner that ensures the safety of both the public and the bear,” stated Peter Tira, a spokesperson for the Fish and Wildlife department. “This bear has developed a severe dependence on human-provided food. This means that it has lost all fear of humans and now regards people and residences as a potential food source.”
An immense bear named Hank the Tank has broken into more than two dozen homes in California since July, officials report. Despite efforts with paintballs, bean bags, sirens, and Tasers, the 500-pound beast remains determined to find leftover pizza and other food. https://t.co/um5y7p2B1L pic.twitter.com/ZlmmzqUVtB
— The New York Times (@nytimes) February 21, 2022
Hank has prompted over 150 police interventions, with his latest escapade involving breaking into a house through a window. Authorities had to bang on the house’s exterior walls until he eventually exited through the rear door.
The Fish and Wildlife agency is contemplating the possibility of issuing a lethal order due to public safety concerns, yet the local Bear League opposes this decision, deeming the killing of Hank as inhumane and unnecessary, and instead suggests relocating him to a sanctuary. Both groups will convene for a discussion on this issue later this week.
