A 550-Pound Bear Finally Evicted from Altadena Home After Persistent Attempts
A 550-pound black bear that resided beneath a California home for over a month has finally been evicted, marking a significant breakthrough after numerous failed attempts by state wildlife officials. The removal was facilitated by the BEAR League, a wildlife organization known for handling bear emergencies, which implemented an unconventional strategy to usher the bear out safely.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife coexistence, particularly in areas where such encounters are becoming increasingly common. As more bears seek shelter in residential areas, effective removal strategies are essential for the safety of both the animals and residents.
Key Developments
- The bear was removed from a crawl space under Ken Johnson’s Altadena home on Tuesday.
- State efforts over a month included traps and bait, but were ultimately unsuccessful.
- The BEAR League used paintballs filled with vegetable oil to encourage the bear to leave the area.
- Johnson reported extensive damage to his home, raising safety concerns due to structural issues and gas line problems.
- BEAR League provided electric mats to deter the bear from returning while repairs were made.
Full Report
After several weeks of failed eviction attempts by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the large black bear was finally coaxed out of its hiding place beneath Ken Johnson’s home. Johnson reported that the bear had been living in the crawl space since late November, causing significant damage to his property, which he estimated at tens of thousands of dollars.
Distressed by the situation, Johnson took to a GoFundMe page, stating, “Right after surviving the Eaton fire, I lost my job, and shortly after that the bear began tearing into the structure of my home.” He noted that he had video evidence of the bear twisting gas pipes, forcing him to shut off utilities for safety.
Realizing the urgency of the problem, Johnson contacted the BEAR League, which specializes in wildlife removal. The organization’s team traveled from Lake Tahoe to assist, employing a unique method of using paintballs filled with vegetable oil to prompt the bear to exit the crawl space. The operation was completed in under 20 minutes.
BEAR League has emphasized the importance of securing crawl spaces, advising residents that poorly secured areas invite wildlife into homes. Following the bear’s removal, they provided Johnson with electric mats intended to prevent future bear inhabitants while he secures his property properly.
Context & Previous Events
Prior to this successful removal, state wildlife officials had attempted various removal techniques, including bait, noisy deterrents, and traps, which resulted in trapping the wrong bear at one point. Over a month of unsuccessful efforts led to the BEAR League being contacted for specialized assistance.
