A camping trip wouldn’t be complete without a wild animal sighting or two. Whether it’s a classic squirrel encounter or a surprise visit from a herd of wild horses, animals make spending time in nature oh-so-special. Sometimes, though, animals can also leave you feeling on edge or downright nervous.
Just ask Christy Smith. This mom and dog mom was enjoying a peaceful camping trip with her family in South Lake Tahoe when an unexpected visitor crashed their picnic lunch. The massive black bear couldn’t care less if people were running for the hills (or for their neighbor’s campsite); all he wanted was a bite to eat!
Although they barged in on a family’s peaceful meal, the bear remembered his manners and sat down at the table to eat just like a proper gentleman.
@christysmith83 At least he sat down like a gentleman to eat… #southlaketahoe #tahoe #fypシ #bearsoftiktok
Something tells me this isn’t the first time that this bear has crashed a campsite to help himself to a meal. He looks completely at home among the picnic benches and camping gear, but as one commenter pointed out, this setup was practically made for him!
“His name is on the trailer,” Jacinta noticed. “He’s just making himself at home.”
Related: Lake Tahoe’s Famous Black Bear ‘Hank the Tank’ Heads to New Home in Colorado
OMG, I can see it now! ‘Kodiak’ is a type of brown bear, but it also appears to be a brand of RV. Clearly, this Tahoe black bear mistook this camper for a bear restaurant, especially with so much food just sitting around. Who can blame him?
Lake Tahoe Bears
As another commenter named Ivy reminded everyone, bears like this hungry guy are more common in the Lake Tahoe area than one may think. She teased, “He’s taking his share. You’re only a guest in his home,” and honestly, she has a great point.
Black bears like this one have been living in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, including the Tahoe area, long before people moved in. Most of the time, the two species coexist peacefully, but some bears also get a bit too close for comfort while in search of food.
Fortunately, staying aware and being prepared will ensure everyone’s safety. There isn’t much anyone can do about bears in the woods, but everyone can avoid a bear attack by playing it safe!
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