For over a month, a 550-pound black bear turned the space beneath a California home into its personal hideaway, creating a nightmare for the homeowner and baffling wildlife officials.
Ken Johnson’s ordeal began after surviving a devastating fire and losing his job, only to find his home under siege by the massive animal. The bear didn’t just squat; it actively damaged the structure, twisting gas pipes and forcing Johnson to shut off utilities for safety.
Repeated attempts by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to evict the bear proved futile. Bait, loud noises, and even a carefully set trap – which unfortunately captured the *wrong* bear – all failed to dislodge the persistent intruder.
Desperate, Johnson reached out to the BEAR League, a specialized bear removal organization based seven hours away in Lake Tahoe. They arrived with a surprisingly effective, and unconventional, plan.
The BEAR League team deployed paintballs filled with vegetable oil, strategically targeting the bear’s backside. This gentle, yet firm, encouragement proved to be the key to success.
One experienced responder, Scott, bravely crawled into the cramped crawl space, positioning himself behind the bear to guide it towards the opening. Within 20 minutes, the bear was gone.
To prevent a repeat visit, the BEAR League loaned Johnson electric mats designed to deliver an unpleasant, but harmless, shock. Footage showed the bear quickly learning its lesson, scurrying away upon encountering the mats.
The BEAR League emphasized the importance of securing crawl spaces, highlighting how easily they can become inviting dens for bears seeking shelter, especially during the colder months. They routinely assist homeowners in the Lake Tahoe region with similar situations, offering their services free of charge.
This successful eviction wasn’t just a relief for Johnson; it marked the end of a frustrating chapter for state wildlife officials, demonstrating that sometimes, a little ingenuity can go a long way in resolving human-wildlife conflicts.
The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the need for coexistence and proactive measures to secure homes in bear country, ensuring the safety of both residents and these magnificent creatures.
