A homeowner in Altadena, California, found himself in a bizarre predicament: a 550-pound black bear had taken up residence under his house. For weeks, the massive animal wedged itself into a small crawlspace, becoming a surprisingly persistent squatter.
Ken Johnson first noticed the bear in late November, captured on his surveillance cameras repeatedly entering and exiting the tight space beneath his home. Attempts to coax the bear out with tempting bait and startling noises proved utterly ineffective, leaving Johnson increasingly frustrated.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) stepped in on December 9th, setting a large bear trap hoping to resolve the situation. Days later, Johnson heard the telltale rattle of the cage, a surge of relief quickly turning to confusion.
It wasn’t the 550-pound bear they’d targeted. Instead, a smaller bear had wandered into the trap, a frustrating misstep in a month-long saga. The captured bear was tagged and released into a more appropriate habitat, but the original resident remained stubbornly in place.
Johnson hadn’t been idle while waiting for assistance. He’d constructed a makeshift alarm and blasted hours of recorded dog barks into the vents, desperate to drive the bear away. Yet, the large animal seemed unfazed, continuing its comfortable occupation.
Altadena, nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, is no stranger to bear sightings. Residents frequently encounter the animals, particularly on trash collection days. In a strange twist, a second bear even briefly explored the crawlspace before being scared off by the original occupant.
CDFW biologists have repeatedly advised Johnson to secure the crawlspace, emphasizing that this is the most crucial step to prevent the bear’s return. They’ve offered ongoing support and guidance on hazing techniques, acknowledging the challenges of peaceful coexistence with wildlife.
Despite the setbacks, the CDFW remains dedicated to resolving the situation. They recognize the stress and complications that unwelcome wildlife encounters can cause and continue to work with Johnson, despite limited resources, to find a solution.
The department emphasizes its commitment to helping Californians navigate these challenging interactions, striving for a balance between human safety and the well-being of the state’s diverse wildlife. The saga of the Altadena bear continues, a testament to the unpredictable nature of living alongside wild animals.
