LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (KGO) — New developments in the fight for the life of a Tahoe bear. Wildlife officials said Wednesday night they planned to kill her to save her cub. But now, they’re reversing course.
The momma bear is linked to at least a dozen home break-ins in the last month.
On Thursday after an tense standoff with neighbors defending her, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife says they will monitor the bear instead of killing her.
“Get out of South Lake Tahoe, Department of Fish and Wildlife, we don’t want you here!”
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.
Cries from a crowd rallying to protect a black bear affectionately known as Hope and her cub Bounce – up this tree Thursday with the Department of Fish and Wildlife below.
“Protect Tahoe bears – shame on you!”
The Department of Fish and Wildlife has labeled the mama a problem bear Wednesday, saying it planned to lethally remove it citing multiple break-ins.
“We were very worried because we know her life is on the line,” said Ann Bryant, executive director The Bear League. “And we reached out to some of our friends and our supporters in that area, and they immediately responded and tried to do what they could to keep her safe.”
Thursday, the Department of Fish and Wildlife saying the staff member was only carrying a paintball gun and that the plan now is to monitor the two bears.
VIDEO: Bear crashes Lake Tahoe party, then returns next day
Diners in Tahoe city had their party crashed by an unannounced furry guest who was probably just looking for a hangout.
“There is an issue right now with a couple of the bears that are breaking into homes looking for food, but we have a great community up there supporting the bears,” said Angela Stirling, Lake Tahoe resident.
Angela Stirling has watched Hope and Bounce come right up to her door. You can see in the security camera video .the two bears approaching . . .
“The bear tried to make an entry into the back door of our home. And fortunately, she didn’t get in. You know, everything was locked up,” said Stirling.” There’s no food back there. Really nothing for her to go after. But she did get the screen door open on the slider.”
Meanwhile back on this scene, the bears did eventually come down.
“And the crowd of people, along with the Bear Leauge, kind of escorted Hope and bounced into a greenbelt into a safe area where they were going to be okay,” said Bryant.
Copyright © 2025 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Duncan Meyers, founder of BDJOBSTODAY, shares expert career advice, job market insights, and practical tips to help professionals grow and succeed in their careers.
