Bears have taken over Lake Tahoe due to extreme temperatures. The state of Nevada has been enduring a record-breaking heatwave this summer with temperatures reaching a scorching 114 degrees. California has also had their share of sweltering temperatures. And much like humans, wildlife are feeling the heat as well.
According to KCRA, Lake Tahoe beachgoer Jen Watkins recorded a large black bear and her three cubs wading into the lake to cool down. “We were all a little shocked,” she said. “I guess (the bear) had been out earlier, my son had seen it. It had gotten a little bit unfriendly/protective of the cubs with a golden retriever.” She claims the mama bear also “discovered” somebody’s cooler and took it back with her into the woods.
Although recording bears frolicking on the beach may seem fun and cool, please remember that they are still bears. “They can be very dangerous,” Placer County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Nelson Resendes said. “We are in their territory when we’re up in the Foothills and in the Sierra (Nevada).” He added, “Don’t feed them, don’t entice them, don’t provoke them and, obviously in a setting like this … don’t approach them … respect their space.”
