Hank the Tank was never a Hank at all. The large 500-pound brown bear, a female now called Henrietta, had gained notoriety in 2022-23 for alleged break-ins and kitchen raids in over 40 homes in Colorado’s Lake Tahoe area. Henrietta, backed by the Bear League, was acquitted of her crimes with “only” 23 credited to her. With community support, Henrietta escaped a euthanasia sentence and was packed off to a wildlife rehab sanctuary in Sonoma County for her own good. Henrietta’s cubs will not be following in their Mom’s Ma Baker like footsteps and instead were released into the wild.
Rehabilitation of the Cubs
Henrietta’s three cubs were taken to the Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, where they underwent a rehabilitation process to reverse the habits learned from their mother. The staff aimed to instill a healthy fear of humans and reintroduce them to their natural diet. The cubs, along with another bear, underwent techniques and practices that made them more compatible to survive in the wilderness rather than depend on humans.
A Successful Release
In June, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) carried out a successful operation in which the cubs were released into the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. The operation utilized methods of blowing air horns and non-toxic paintballs to make the cubs wary of humans. These techniques ensure the cubs avoid human interaction.
Monitoring the Cubs
To track their progress and ensure their adaptation, the cubs were equipped with collars that relay their positions hourly. These collars are set to fall off after nine months, allowing CDFW to monitor their adjustment to life in the wild. Most important, according to experts, is to ensure how the bears respond to hazing, which helps them exercise caution around humans. This behavior is crucial to prevent future incidents like those caused by their mother.
Henrietta’s Story
Henrietta, once known as Hank the Tank, gained infamy during 2022-23 when she burglarized several homes in the Tahoe area. Her modus operandi was to break in and loot the kitchen. Authorities unable to stop her shenanigans even contemplated euthanizing her, a practice often resorted to when bears become too used to humans.
Not all Break-ins Were by Henrietta
DNA testing on conflict bear 64, as Henrietta was labeled, proved how she was not the only bear raiding homes. There were a few others involved as well, a factor that got her off the hook, leading to a sentence in rehab. Moreover, considering the new evidence, the CDW decided not to euthanize any of the bears and instead drew up plans for their capture and rehabilitation.
Vindication and a Light Sentence
Supported by the local Bear League and several of her online fans, Henrietta was acquitted of her crimes and received a rehab sentence instead. She was relocated to a wildlife sanctuary where she lived happily. In August 2023, when authorities captured Henrietta, she had reduced in weight and looked considerably lighter. This was due to a lack of nourishment, which meant her rehab turned out to be fortunate for her.
Community Involvement
Residents in bear-prone areas are encouraged to take measures to avoid attracting bears. Tips include securing garbage, removing scented products from yards, and thoroughly cleaning grills after use.
The release of Hank the Tank’s cubs marks a hopeful chapter in wildlife rehabilitation. The success of this endeavor will be closely watched, providing valuable insights for future wildlife management and conservation efforts.
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