Just another quiet morning in Lake Tahoe turned into an unexpected wildlife encounter that’ll make you think twice about leaving your garage door open. An 87-year-old couple found themselves in a heart-pounding face-off with a hungry bear searching for its next meal, and spoiler alert: the bear wasn’t interested in continental breakfast.

According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), the incident unfolded early one morning when a bear unexpectedly wandered into a home near Kingsbury Grade Road in Stateline. The elderly homeowner’s routine garage visit took a wild turn when he came face-to-face with an uninvited furry intruder.

When Breakfast Meets Wildlife

The bear, in full hyperphagia mode, a pre-winter calorie-loading phase, wasn’t taking no for an answer. After the man tried backing away, the bear managed to scratch his hand before following him inside the house. As if one surprise wasn’t enough, the bear then scratched the woman before making its dramatic exit.

A Close Call in Bear Country

Fortunately, the couple sustained only minor injuries and were treated and released from the hospital. Shawn Espinosa from NDOW’s Game Division emphasized the importance of securing potential bear attractants to help these hungry creatures safely make their way to winter dens.

Living with Lake Tahoe’s Wild Neighbors

This incident serves as a stark reminder that in places like Lake Tahoe, humans and wildlife share more than just scenic landscapes. It’s a delicate dance of coexistence, where leaving out trash, pet food, or unsecured garage spaces can turn a peaceful morning into an unexpected wildlife encounter.

While the couple’s story ended with minor scratches, it’s a powerful reminder to respect and prepare for our furry neighbors. Always secure your food, keep garbage locked up, and remember: in bear country, you’re basically a guest in their living room.