Massive bear strolls along crowded Tahoe beach, then goes for a swim, videos show
A massive bear casually strolled along a crowded beach in South Lake Tahoe in California before cooling off in the water, videos show.
The bear walks right past several beachgoers and their abandoned kayaks and jet skis as it heads toward the water, one video shows.
A second video shows the bear swimming just off shore.
A beachgoer posted the videos in a Facebook group called “I Love Lake Tahoe” on Tuesday, Sept. 3. They wrote that they saw the “fella” near the Boathouse restaurant on Saturday, Aug. 31.
Several of the beachgoers can be heard laughing in delight and commenting on the bear’s behavior.
“He’s like don’t mind me, I’m just making my way over here,” someone says in the video.
“Just chillin,” someone commented under the video of the bear swimming.
“Just (out) for a stroll and a quick dip,” someone else said.
Most people kept their distance and let the bear do its thing, the videos show.
Some who saw the bear that day commented with their own points of view.
“I was there too,” someone said, sharing two videos of the sighting. “It was incredible.”
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
This story was originally published September 12, 2024 at 6:34 PM with the headline "Massive bear strolls along crowded Tahoe beach, then goes for a swim, videos show."
