Bears invade California town left deserted by blaze
Bears have moved into a Californian town after 22,000 residents were forced to evacuate due to wildfires.
The animals have been digging through uncollected refuse and breaking into homes in South Lake Tahoe in search of food.
They were spotted in homes, at petrol stations, and outside shops. Neighbourhoods were littered with rubbish and bear break-ins rose significantly with dozens of homes and vehicles affected, the El Dorado county sheriff’s office said.
Sheriff’s office spokesman Eric Palmberg said: “Historically, Tahoe bears have always been a problem, especially in the late summer. They’re getting ready for winter so they’re trying to pack on the calories.
“There were no people so they roamed the city.”
Residents and motorists in the area have been warned to take extra care.
The Caldor wildfire forced unprecedented evacuations last week in the Lake Tahoe area, a popular tourist destination on the CaliforniaNevada border.
The blaze has destroyed 776 homes.