CDFW completes investigation into shooting of bear in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has completed its investigation into the shooting of a bear inside a South Lake Tahoe home. They said that, after a formal law enforcement investigation into the matter, the homeowner who shot the bear did nothing illegal and would not face any charges.

On Monday, May 27 at approximately 2:30 p.m., wildlife officers were called to a home off of Pioneer Trail in South Lake Tahoe after being notified a bear had been shot and killed by a homeowner.

A yearling, between 75-85 lbs., entered a home through a closed back door. According to CDFW spokesperson Peter Tira, it is unclear if the door was locked, but he said the investigation shows it was closed. When the homeowner realized a bear was in the house he tried to get it out by yelling, waving, and trying to scare it off, but the bear did not leave and started "huffing."

When a black bear feels threatened they do not roar or growl they may huff, or blow air forcefully through their nose or mouth.

The CDFW law enforcement team said the homeowner was scared once the bear advanced toward his dog.

The homeowner then went to his bedroom and retrieved a rifle, returning to the living room and shooting the bear twice. The bear then left the house and climbed up a tree, according to the investigation.

Soon afterward, the bear fell out of the tree and the homeowner could see it was suffering and fired a third shot to take him out of his misery. He then called 911 and both El Dorado County Sheriff and CDFW law enforcement arrived at the home.

Tira said law enforcement determined the shooting was a "reasonable act" of the homeowner as he feared for his safety, and that of his dog.

"You are allowed to protect yourself and property," said Tira. "There was no law broken and the investigation ended."

That investigation concluded the actions were reasonable since attempts were made to get the bear out of the home. Tira said the bear was a yearling which made it about 15 months old and living on its own for the first time. This time of year the yearlings start trying to figure out things, like getting food, finding a space to live where there is no dominant bear, navigate life and traffic. Many times the yearlings do not respond to loud sounds and other diversionary tactics that work on older bears.

Tira said there was "a ton" of media attention on Tuesday as word got out, mainly through the Bear League social media page. As with all bear stories with a less-than-positive outcome, there is outrage.

It is always upsetting to the public to lose wildlife in this manner.

"There was no crime here, the bear was in a man's living room," said Tira. "Our wildlife officers are fully sworn law enforcement officers and focus on a full formal investigation like any other law enforcement does. They want to protect wildlife and take matters seriously."

Ann Bryant, executive director of the Bear League, said she is concerned that CDFW "has given a clear green light to anyone who wants to kill bears at Tahoe."

She said one of the neighbors of the homeowner who shot the bear has a different story about the situation.

According to neighbor Stephanie Yamkovenko, she spoke with an investigator both on the phone and in person. Stephanie said she was surprised the investigation was closed so quickly. From her deck, she said she could see the bear push the home's door open, but she didn't see the bear go all the way into the home, and she could not see into the house. Stephanie said she and her husband were making noise from the deck, trying to get the bear to leave. She said the bear always had its hind two legs outside and saw the bear running away before the first shot.

"Details are not all adding up," said Stephanie. "We are shocked the investigation is closed. There should be some type of consequence."

She said the same bear ran up a tree twice earlier in the day, both times spooked by neighborhood dogs.

"This bear did not receive justice," said the Bear League on Facebook.

In the meantime, it is important for the public to remember the important rules of living with wildlife, remember, they were here first and we are in their land. BearWise says the following six things are basic in helping people live responsibly with black bears:

1. Never feed or approach bears (leaving food out because you might think they (or any wildlife) are hungry is wrong). Intentionally feeding bears or allowing them to find anything that smells or tastes like food teaches bears to approach homes and people looking for more. A fed bear is a dead bear.
2. Secure Food, Garbage And Recycling - Food and food odors attract bears, so don’t reward them with easily available food, liquids, or garbage.
3. Remove Bird Feeders When Bears Are Active - Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears.
4. Never Leave Pet Food Outdoors - Feed pets indoors when possible. If you must feed pets outside, feed in single portions and remove bowls afterward. Store pet food where bears can’t see or smell it.
5. Clean And Store Grills, Smokers - Clean grills after each use and make sure that all grease, fat, and food particles are removed. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.
6. Alert Neighbors To Bear Activity - See bears in the area or evidence of bear activity? Tell your neighbors and share info on how to avoid bear conflicts.

Also, lock car doors at all times, and lock doors and windows in the home.

The only way bears stay alive around Lake Tahoe is for humans to be responsible and educated neighbors. Those who rent out their homes need to ensure their guests understand the way to share the space with all wildlife.

For more information, visit the following:
https://southtahoenow.com/story/03/18/2024/bear-aware-more-snappy-slogan-it-shows-how-human-behavior...
https://bearwise.org/
https://www.tahoebears.org/
https://www.tahoebears.org/how-to-full