A female black bear that wildlife authorities have identified as the culprit behind at least 21 break-ins in California homes has been relocated to an animal sanctuary in Colorado. Henrietta, as she is now known, is currently adjusting to her new surroundings at the Wild Animal Refuge near Springfield, as mentioned in a Facebook post shared by the sanctuary. The post includes photos of Henrietta in a temporary introduction enclosure within a 230-acre habitat where she will eventually be able to freely roam.
Previously known as “Hank the Tank,” Henrietta’s true identity is a bit complex. Last year, state officials initially attributed a series of 28 home invasions in South Lake Tahoe, California, to a 500-pound black bear named Hank the Tank. However, DNA evidence later revealed that these break-ins were not the sole work of one bear. It turned out that at least three different bears were responsible for entering homes and searching for food in the affluent neighborhood of Tahoe Keys. Henrietta was one of these three bears.
After being captured earlier this month, DNA evidence confirmed that Henrietta personally broke into 21 homes between February 2022 and May 2023. A press release from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stated that she was also suspected in additional incidents. The department spokesperson, Jordan Traverso, clarified that technically all three bears could be referred to as “Hank the Tank.” However, the other two bears have not caused any problems this year, so authorities have decided to leave them undisturbed.
At the Wild Animal Sanctuary, Henrietta’s habitat consists of a forested area with pine trees. She will have the opportunity to interact with other black bears and hibernate naturally. Pat Craig, the Executive Director of the sanctuary, confirmed this information in an interview with USA Today. Henrietta’s three cubs were not sent to the sanctuary with their mother. Instead, they were taken to Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue in Petaluma. The cubs will undergo rehabilitation with the intention of eventually releasing them back into the wild.
It is noteworthy that Henrietta and her cubs have been fortunate compared to many “problem bears” in the United States, as most of them end up being killed. The decisions made about the bear family were influenced by the significant public interest in their story, as acknowledged by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in their press release.
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