Advocate criticizes trapping, killing of bear at Lake Tahoe

TRUCKEE, Calif. - The trapping and killing of a black bear that damaged a Lake Tahoe-area home after entering it through an open window is prompting criticism.

Jason Holley of the California Department of Fish and Game said the female bear entered an Alpine Meadows home last week and caused "verifiable property damage."

Two people were in the house then, but no one was hurt.

Holley said the homeowner later requested a depredation permit to kill the bear, and a Fish and Game biologist issued the permit after assessing the damage.

Ann Bryant of the Tahoe-based BEAR League told the Sierra Sun the bear was gentle and beloved by locals .

She said the homeowner probably could have avoided the problem by closing the window, and the bear should have been spared.