Well, I Laughed 149: Bear Buffet [In the Dark pt.2: Henrietta "Hank" the Tank]
Apr 8, 2026
A wild tale of bears raiding homes and craving processed snacks around Lake Tahoe. They unpack chaotic break-ins, community efforts to hazе and contain bold bears, and the surprising saga of a massive, food-habituated bear nicknamed Hank. Practical safety tips and strange local anecdotes round out the mischievous wildlife misadventures.
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Evacuation Created Crime Vulnerability
- The Caldor fire evacuation left thousands of Lake Tahoe homes vulnerable to opportunistic break-ins.
- After the August 2021 evacuation, 70 homes and vehicles were reported broken into and residents dumped belongings curbside, creating a looting-like scene.
Always Inspect Before Reentering After Evacuation
- When returning after evacuation, check for signs of forced entry before entering and listen for rustling inside.
- California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife advised looking for damage and listening for movement to avoid surprising an intruding bear.
Family Finds Bears Feasting Inside Home
- The Hyde family returned from camping to find a mother bear and two cubs inside, eating Fig Newtons, Cool Whip, and chicken chow mein.
- Danny Hyde hazed the bears out and seven people spent five hours cleaning the mess.
