Octogenarians Survive Bear Attack In Their Home Near Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, CA — An 87-year-old man and woman were injured near Lake Tahoe Wednesday morning when a bear broke into their home while searching for food, wildlife officials said.

The man entered his garage at 4:30 a.m. and found the bear scavenging around, the Nevada Department of Wildlife said.

He tried to back away, but the bear scratched his hand and followed him into the home, wildlife officials said. At some point, the bear also scratched a woman inside, wildlife officials said.

The bear eventually left the home, according to wildlife officials, and the homeowners were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Their injuries were considered minor.

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“We are grateful that these individuals sustained minor injuries and are okay,” Shawn Espinosa, Game Division Administrator for NDOW, said. “Bears are still experiencing hyperphagia, or a phase where they build up as many calories as possible before going into their dens for winter."

Following the incident, wildlife officials reminded people living in "bear country" to follow safety guidelines that help deter bears from homes.

These guidelines include securing garbage, removing bird feeders, pet foods, barbeques and other scented items from yards, avoiding leaving coolers in truck beds, and installing electric fencing around beehives and chicken coops. Wildlife officials report that approximately 90% of bear incidents begin with unsecured garbage.

"If you see bears near your home, scare them away: From an open window or safe distance, yell loudly and/or bang pots and pans to scare the bear away," wildlife officials said. "These methods can help 'negatively condition' bears to humans and houses and teach them that it is not okay to enter these areas."

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