[Cherie]

Ablack bear known to residents as "Hank the tank" has become the subject of a state-wide search, after breaking into more than 30 homes in California.

More than 150 incident reports across Northern California and Nevada have been logged by police over a seven-month period, with residents also reporting damage to their properties as a result of the break-ins.

The latest was at a house in Tahoe Keys in South Lake Tahoe on Friday, according to CBS Sacramento, during which the bear smashed a window and squeezed into the property while those who lived there were at home.

Police responded and banged on the outside of the house until Hank left through the back door and disappeared into nearby woods.

Also known as "Jake" or "Yogi" or simply "Big Guy", officials have described Hank as a bear that has "lost all fear of people" and thinks of them as a food source.

A homeowners association agreed during a meeting last week to allow state wildlife personnel to capture the bear.

"Killing the bear is hopefully a last resort," said Joby Cefalu, a board member.

"Nobody on our board took lightly the situation of depredation," he told the Los Angeles Times. "We're meant to coexist. Unfortunately, this is a human problem."

Community members in South Lake Tahoe have shared concerns about the bear's welfare, as officials seek to capture him.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world...edgdhp&pc=U531