How DNA Evidence Saved a Beloved Bear's Life

In 2022, a 500-pound black bear nicknamed Hank the Tank made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Wildlife officials in Lake Tahoe accused her of breaking into more than 40 homes. The massive bear would find her way into kitchens and help herself to food inside.

The Misunderstood Bear Burglar

While Hank caused property damage, many people felt sympathy for her. She was simply smart enough to find easy meals. The bear probably didn't even know she was breaking any laws! As news about Hank spread, people across the country began to fall in love with this furry home invader.

But the situation was becoming dangerous. Hank had lost her fear of humans and had grown used to eating human food. Officials worried she posed a risk to public safety. As her break-in count grew higher, authorities even started to consider putting her down as a last resort.

The Public Demands Justice

Local residents and bear lovers everywhere refused to accept this outcome. They pushed for more investigation into the crimes Hank supposedly committed. This pressure led to a crucial discovery.

DNA evidence revealed a surprising twist - Hank was only responsible for 21 of the break-ins. Other bears had committed the rest of the crimes! This new evidence took the death penalty off the table for Hank.

A Fresh Start at the Sanctuary

However, Hank still faced a problem. She had become so accustomed to human food that she wouldn't do well if released back into the wild. The solution? A new home at The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado.

This 1,200-acre sanctuary gives Hank plenty of space to roam safely. Today, she's living her best bear life in her new home. She even has her own pool!

Hank's story reminds us that sometimes we need to look deeper before passing judgment - even on bears who break into our kitchens.