The bear woke up in the winter and followed the Tahoe man straight to his home
Fall is the time of year when bears indeed start thinking about their stomachs.
Some will also prepare for winter weight loss, often counting calories for up to 20 hours a day. This eating frenzy, called hyperphagia, causes far from their normal range and the dumpsters that are built when looking for snacks.
That idea that led to some hungry black part of South Lake Tahoe at home across the Nevada border, surprised an 87-year-old man who entered his wooden garage before starting on Wednesday.
“The man went back to his house, and as he did so, the bear leaned towards him and rubbed his hand. That’s when Ashley Zeme, spokesperson for the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Later, the confusion of the case was observed by the wife of the house owner before returning outside after the grandson of the couple opened the doors and windows to create an exit. Both occupants were treated and released from the hospital with minor injuries.
Zeme said this incident was an extended one but one that shows how HyperPhalia Rethapes behaves.
“During Hyperphagia, a bear coming into the house would have happened,” he said, explaining that he ate 20,000 to 25,000 calories a day as winter approached. “In the wild, they try to build up their calories by using berries and insects. But if they get garbage from the neighbors, that’s all the calories they need in one place.”
The best way to prevent bear encounters, he said, is to find and remove trash such as bird feeders, pet food, coolers and barbecue grills.
Hyperphagia usually starts in August and November. During this time, it spreads its search radio, which often pushes deep into the habitats. When a bear gets an easy reward, it tends to come back and become more aggressive, according to wildlife officials. In the Tahoe Basin, where bears have long learned that residents and vacationers bring dense calories, reliable calories, hyperphagia is surging in reports of garbage attacks, which are happening more and more, events like the ones that happened on Wednesday.
“If they get a food reward every time they enter the area, they will keep coming back for more,” said Zeme. “They have good memories and are smart.”
Zeme emphasized that the bear in this case was confused and shocked, not on demand.
“This is no ordinary bear territory,” he said. “They don’t usually stay at home or in a garage. It’s possible that the bear was confused, confused. Who knows what it was.”
Wildlife authorities have said that about 90% of incidents related to the temple come from unsecured garbage, which is why it is recommended that residents often close the areas to fight food in the ears and avoid leaving bags outside. They also advised locals to keep cars free of food, lock doors and windows, and use electric fences to protect bees and chickens.
“We always see more criminal activity this time of year,” said Zeme. “Enticing with protection is the best way to keep them away.”
