LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (KGO) — The fight to save the life of a mama black bear in Lake Tahoe is reaching a fever pitch. Tahoe residents recently gathered to say “no” to the killing of bear #753, more affectionately known as Hope, and always close behind, her cub named Bounce.
“It’s just no, we’re going to kill her. She’s going to die,” said Ann Bryant, Executive Director of the Bear League.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife has labeled the mama, a problem bear, announcing this summer it planned to euthanize her, citing multiple break-ins.
RELATED: Wildlife officials back off on plan to euthanize Lake Tahoe bear notorious for break-ins
After a tense standoff with Lake Tahoe neighbors defending her, wildlife officials said they will monitor the mama bear instead of killing her.
But despite public outcry, the department is doubling down: “Bear #753 has been approved for lethal removal with the hope of getting its cub into wildlife rehabilitation so that it has a chance to live in the wild free of human conflict. We continue to monitor the situation.”
“We’re right there with them,” said Bryant. “It’s a mother and her son, and it’s just heartbreaking that they’re going to kill her and orphan him and upset an entire community.”
Scenes of bears breaking into homes and cars are becoming increasingly common in the Tahoe Region. “Close and lock your doors and windows,” said Bryant. “That’s not a sure thing but it will resolve most incursions.
RELATED: Advocates trying to save Lake Tahoe bear set to be euthanized after series of break-ins with cub
There’s a plea to save the life of bear number 753, known around Lake Tahoe as “Hope,” after it committed a series of residential break-ins.
Meanwhile, advocates continue pushing for another solution for Hope and Bounce even if it means separating the pair.
“We don’t like relocation, but it’s better than death,” said Bryant. “We offered to pay for all the expenses and help in any way we can help get her trapped and keep them together.”
Wildlife officials say they’re trying to break a cycle of break-in behavior, and by targeting the mama bear, her baby could be spared.
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