Aggressive Bear Euthanized After Attacking Camper Near Lake Tahoe

A black bear with a long history of confrontations with people was euthanized this week after attacking a camper near Lake Tahoe, officials confirmed.

The early morning incident occurred Sunday near Emerald Bay State Park, when the female bear broke into a trailer and injured a woman who tried to scare it away by yelling and banging pots. The bear swiped at her, leaving cuts and bruises that required a hospital visit, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Later that morning, the same bear ripped open a camper van with teenagers inside and continued harassing others in the campground.

Deemed a public safety risk, the bear was tracked to a nearby campground Monday and euthanized by a State Parks ranger. DNA testing confirmed it was the same animal.

Officials say the bear had been the subject of multiple 911 calls, including one incident on June 10 when it broke into a car with a child inside. Efforts to haze or trap the bear began on June 17 but failed.

“This isn’t a decision that’s made lightly,” said department spokesperson Steve Gonzalez. “But protecting human life is paramount.”

The bear’s two cubs were captured and sent to a Northern California wildlife rehab center, with hopes they can be returned to the wild.

With bear activity common around Tahoe, officials urge residents and campers to stay alert and secure food and trash to avoid similar encounters.