Full Breakdown
Bear Enters Lake Tahoe Home, Scratches Elderly Couple
11/21/2025, 10:46:51 PM
Incident Overview
On November 19, 2025, an 87-year-old man and his wife were injured when a bear entered their home in the Kingsbury Grade area of Lake Tahoe. The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. when the man opened his garage door to retrieve firewood and encountered a bear weighing approximately 250-300 pounds. As he retreated into the house, the bear followed him inside, leading to a series of scratches on both the man and his wife.
Details of the Encounter
According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), the bear entered the garage through a door connecting to the backyard. In its frantic search for an exit, the bear scratched the man on his hand. Upon entering the home, the bear also scratched the man's wife, who mistakenly thought the noise was from the family dogs. The couple's granddaughter was present and quickly opened all exterior doors, allowing the bear to exit the home. The couple received medical attention, with the man requiring five stitches and his wife receiving twenty stitches. Both were later released from the hospital and received rabies shots as a precaution.
Wildlife Management Response
NDOW biologists investigated the scene, collecting DNA samples from bear scat, footprints, and hair found inside and outside the home. A trap will be set to capture the bear. NDOW officials emphasized the importance of removing attractants that could draw bears into residential areas, especially during hyperphagia, a phase when bears seek to consume as many calories as possible before winter.
Safety Recommendations
In light of this incident, NDOW has reiterated safety guidelines for residents living in bear country. Key recommendations include securing garbage, removing food attractants such as bird feeders and pet food, and ensuring that doors and windows are locked. NDOW noted that around 90% of bear incidents stem from unsecured trash. They also advised using bear-resistant containers and keeping them away from homes, even when locked.
Official Statements
Shawn Espinosa, Game Division Administrator for NDOW, expressed relief that the couple sustained only minor injuries. He stated, “Bears are still experiencing hyperphagia... it is important that residents secure attractants.” NDOW encourages residents to scare away bears by making loud noises from a safe distance and to report any bear incidents to authorities.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing interactions between wildlife and human populations in the Lake Tahoe area. As bears prepare for winter, residents are urged to take proactive measures to minimize attractants and ensure safety for both themselves and the wildlife. For more information on living with bears, residents can visit NDOW's website or BearWise.org.
