In Altadena, California, a well-sized black bear estimated to weigh more than 550 pounds has been relaxing underneath a man’s home for more than a week.
Ken Johnson, who owns the home, has been closely monitoring the situation with wildlife officials as the bear seems to be getting more comfortable. Johnson can hear the bear banging around, and without doubt, what person wouldn’t be on pins and needles knowing the enormous bear could be settling in for an extended hibernation nap?
So how did Johnson discover the bear? According to sources, he started to investigate damage under his home and installed cameras to track down the culprit breaking outside items and just generally making a mess. And there he was – a black bear who seemed to know the area of Altadena.
This isn’t the bear’s first rodeo in the neighborhood either. Back in January, wildlife officials trapped him, tagged him and relocated him to Mount Wilson. And now the California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials are seeing him again; he’s back. A camera was set inside the crawlspace to track the bear’s movement.
Now it has been time to draw the bear out from the home. Officials used a scent spray which emits a caramel and cherries odor. So far that’s not working. It does seem the bear is quite comfortable, and he’s pushing debris and dirt away to make his sleeping space a bit cozier.
After the deadly Eaton fires, it seems as if more wildlife has come closer to developed areas. It is hoped the bear leaves and finds a more suitable place to take his long winter’s nap, but meanwhile officials and Ken are watching the camera so as soon as the bear wanders out, the crawlspace can be secured and the bear leaves.
If needed, the bear will have to be trapped again and moved to a safer location.
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