Save Hank The Tank (The Fat Bear)

Hello my name is Ian, I started this fundraiser pre-emptively in the event everyones favourite nuciance bear Hank The Tank, ends up facing possible euthanasia or relocation orders. Hank has become a problem in his area, this isn't good. He's breaking into houses coming into close contact with people, eventually maybe children or small pets. Hank's a possible danger, but he's also a byproduct of our disrespect towards nature. (Feeding of wildlife and poor garbage disposal practices). He's become acclaimated towards humans as a source of finding food. Meaning he now probably depends strictly on people to sustain himself and has lost the ability to effectively hunt. I don't see many possible positive futures for Hank, he could face euthanasia or relocation. Relocation could be bad because if hes dropped off in the remote wilderness he'll probably die a slow death of starvation. The best alternative I can think of is placement in a suitable wildlife sanctuary. This way he's no longer a possible threat or danger to people and pets, but can also live out the rest of his natural life.

The costs associated with accommodating large apex predators within sanctuaries can be costly, as these sanctuaries typically depend on volunteers and donations. Building suitable infrastructure for appropriately sized enclosures can be a costly expense on sanctuaries. As well as vet bills, treatment, and feeding all adds up and a lot of large predators are turned down due to being unable to accommodate them. Which typically means authorities are left with one difficult choice. I would like to prevent that from happening by helping an appropriate shelter or sanctuary with costs of accomedating Hank. 

I feel Hank is a byproduct of human irresponsiblity and ignorance. I don't feel that it is fair for Hank to have to suffer the consequences of human negligence and short sightedness, just because he has become an inconvenience for people to moderate or control. 

I know living in a sanctuary isnt ideal either, but it appears to be the lesser of the evils. If enough funds can be raised, then perhaps we could build the largest habitat known to bearkind. I imagine a large habitat enclosure with lots of enrichment such as plenty of fruit bearing trees, wild berry bushes and a large pond which can be stocked with fish. Maybe i'm a big dreamer, but I would like to see it happen.

If these funds raised end up not being required they will be redistributed to wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife rescues, animal shelters, and city zoos around The United States and Canada. 

 

 

---UPDATE---

 

GoFundMe emailed me with some questions to be posted in the story of this GoFundMe.

 

1) How you are related to the person(s) you are raising funds for

 

I have no relation to any person(s) that these funds are being raised for, or any relation to someone working for an organization they may be donated to.

 

2)Your withdrawal plan to get the funds from your GoFundMe to the intended beneficiary/ies

 

Funds will be withdrawn and distributed to parties that best helped Hank. Originally this GoFundMe was created with the goal of assisting the sanctuary that stepped up to take on the costly responsibility of caring for Hank long term. This sanctuary had yet to be determined as authorities were still looking to capture him.  One of the possibilities facing Hank was also destruction, in which case since the start of this GoFundMe that funds would be donated wildlife and animal based shelters, sanctuaries and reserves. So that at least Hank's death wouldn't be in vain and our generosity would go onto help other animals in need. 

 

It appears now as new information and evidence comes forward that Hank is actually three black bears as opposed to one single bear. This means that it is possible that these bears can simply be relocated to areas in the wild as opposed to requiring a shelter. The reason being is if it had been one bear responsible for the number of break ins, it would be very indicative that this bear is 100% dependent on humans for sustenance. If you divide the break ins across three bears, it looks as though these bears may be more supplementing their diet with human dependence instead of being 100% dependent. This means these bears still likely have to ability to hunt effectively and survive in the wild. 

 

These bears have yet to be relocated, when they are and the information becomes available the funds of this GoFundMe will be donated to the organization which assisted in the relocation. As far as I know, the Bear League in California would be the most likely of candidates. If however it isn't and the relocation is done by the authorities with no assistance from other organizations, in which case the funds would be distributed to animal shelters, sanctuaries, or reserves. These have yet to be determined and will be determined as the need arrives and suggestions will be taken by donors on who it would go to.  

 

3) How the funds will be spent (please be specific as possible)

 

If bear(s) are brought to a sanctuary, than directly to those sanctuaries to help them pay for enclosures, feeding, vet care, and enrichment.

 

If bear(s) are relocated with the assistance of animal based organizations (outside of the government) then to those organizations as a thank you for helping the bear(s).

 

If the bear(s) are relocated by authorities/ government agencies only, or if the bears are destroyed by authorities or government, the funds will go to yet to be determined wildlife sanctuaries, animals shelters, preservers, etc. None of which will have any relation to me in my personal or professional life. Suggestions are welcome from people donating if this is the case.