A dramatic video obtained by KCRA 3 shows a black bear encounter outside a Lake Tahoe vacation home that escalated quickly when the animal entered a garage and appeared to charge toward a man who went to investigate. The footage and the man’s account, reported to KCRA 3, show him deploying bear spray; the bear then turned away and left the area. Readers should note that descriptions of a “charge” come from the video and the eyewitness account and were not independently confirmed by wildlife officials at the time of reporting.
The incident took place during a holiday period and has renewed warnings from officials about unsecured garbage and other attractants in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Lake Tahoe black bear encounter: what happened
Cortlandt Koerwitz of Sacramento told KCRA 3 that his daughter spotted a bear rummaging through a garbage can inside the garage of their vacation home. Video obtained by KCRA 3 shows Koerwitz approach the garage and then, per the footage and his statement, the bear rushing toward him. Koerwitz said he deployed bear spray; the clip shows the animal quickly turning away and leaving the scene shortly afterward.
Koerwitz told reporters the encounter was fast and startling and that overspray from the canister hit his eyes. He and his family reported being shaken but said there were no serious injuries. These details come from Koerwitz’s interview with KCRA 3 and the station’s video; the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) had not independently verified every on-screen action described by eyewitnesses when the reports were published.
Why bears come into Lake Tahoe neighborhoods
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife says black bears are common throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin and often wander into neighborhoods in search of easy food. Unsecured garbage, food left in vehicles and other attractants routinely draw bears into residential and vacation properties.
Bears have a powerful sense of smell and can learn over time where food is available. Wildlife managers classify many of these incidents as preventable wildlife conflicts and emphasize that simple changes in how residents and visitors store food and manage trash can reduce the risk that bears will associate homes or people with food.
Local authorities in the Tahoe area coordinate with CDFW through a Tahoe wildlife conflict team to monitor sightings and determine responses. Those responses can include outreach to property owners, public education, and, in more severe or repeated incidents, targeted management actions. In this case, Fox News Digital reported that CDFW forwarded inquiries about the incident to the Tahoe wildlife conflict team for follow-up.
How to stay safe: bear spray, trash and vehicle tips
Follow these practical steps if you live in or are visiting bear country in the Lake Tahoe Basin:
- Secure trash: Use bear-resistant containers or keep trash in locked garages or dedicated enclosures until collection day. Do not leave cans curbside overnight where bears are active.
- Remove attractants: Bring pet food, bird seed, groceries and scented items indoors. Clean grills after use and store coolers and food in locked spaces.
- Protect vehicles: Do not leave food, toiletries or scented items visible in cars. Lock vehicles and store items in trunks or take them inside.
- Bear spray: Carry an EPA-approved bear spray in an accessible holster when recreating in bear country. Know how to use it and deploy it only if a bear is behaving aggressively or an immediate danger exists. Practice retrieving it so you can access it quickly if needed.
- Behavior around bears: Give bears space, back away slowly, make yourself appear larger, and avoid direct eye contact. Do not run—running can trigger a pursuit response.
- At vacation homes: Treat short-term rentals like permanent residences—secure trash daily, remove all food attractants between stays, and leave clear trash and wildlife guidance for guests.
Bear spray is a defensive tool; prevention by removing attractants is the first line of defense. The account in the KCRA 3 video shows spray being used during a close encounter, and the user reported temporary irritation to his eyes from overspray. Users should follow manufacturer guidance and local best practices.
Official response and source attribution
Fox News Digital contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. A CDFW spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the inquiry was forwarded to the Tahoe wildlife conflict team for follow-up. Local wildlife managers typically review reports and video when deciding whether an animal needs to be relocated, conditioned away from people or otherwise managed; such decisions depend on the specifics of each incident and repeated behavior by an individual animal.
For further reading, see the Fox News report: Fox News: Black bear raiding a garbage can at Lake Tahoe garage triggers dramatic wildlife encounter, and the video obtained by KCRA 3: KCRA 3. The video and Koerwitz’s interview are the primary eyewitness sources for the sequence of events described above; readers should note that some details are based on those firsthand accounts and on the footage shared with local media.
Koerwitz said he hopes sharing the video reminds others to secure garbage and remove food from vehicles. “I just kind of caught something out of my left eye, and it was the bear rushing in. We were both startled, and I just shot the spray. And the overspray from that, you know, the shot hit me and hit my eyes,” he told KCRA 3.
What comes next
Authorities monitoring bear activity will use reports and video to inform whether outreach, enforcement of trash rules, or other management steps are necessary in the area. Property owners and visitors are urged to follow CDFW guidance and local ordinances to reduce the chance of repeat encounters.
Frequently asked questions
When should I use bear spray during a bear encounter?
Use bear spray only if a bear is charging or you face an immediate threat. Aim slightly down so the spray creates a cloud between you and the animal, and follow manufacturer instructions. Prevention and removing attractants are the most effective ways to avoid needing spray.
How should I secure garbage at a Lake Tahoe vacation home?
Store trash in bear-resistant containers or locked enclosures and keep cans inside until pickup. For short-term rentals, notify guests of trash rules and remove food and scented items between stays.
Are black bear incidents common in the Lake Tahoe Basin?
Black bears are common in the Lake Tahoe Basin and encounters increase when attractants are available. Many sightings are nonconfrontational, but incidents involving garages, homes or vehicles typically involve a bear finding accessible food. Reporting sightings to local authorities and following CDFW guidance helps wildlife managers monitor activity and reduce conflict.
Sources: Fox News Digital and KCRA 3. Fox News Digital reported contacting the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which forwarded the inquiry to the Tahoe wildlife conflict team for follow-up.
