Bear scratches couple inside Lake Tahoe home. What are bear safety tips?

A bear looking for food broke into a home near South Lake Tahoe and scratched two people inside, Nevada wildlife officials reported.

The bear entered a home on Highway 207 near Kingsbury, which is about a 5-mile drive northeast from South Lake Tahoe, the Nevada Department of Wildlife said in a news release.

The encounter took place at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, South Lake Tahoe Now reported.

Couple encounters bear in home

An 87-year-old man entered his garage and encountered a bear that had broken in to look for food, wildlife officials said.

As he backed away, the bear scratched his hand and entered the home, officials said.

The bear also scratched an 87-year-old woman inside the home before leaving, officials said. Both were treated for their injuries and released.

“We are grateful that these individuals sustained minor injuries and are OK,” said Shawn Espinosa, the department game division administrator. “Bears are still experiencing hyperphagia, or a phase where they build up as many calories as possible before going into their dens for winter. To ensure bears make their ways to their dens, it is important that residents secure attractants.”

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.

Here 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 November 23, 2025 at 9:28 AM.