A California Black Bear has vacated the home in Altadena after a month-long sojourn, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The bear, identified by its ear tag "Yellow 2120," had taken up residence under a crawlspace beneath a house sometime in late November.
The homeowner, Ken Johnson, reported being at his wit's end as he struggled to coax the massive 550-pound animal out of the confined space. Department biologists attempted to trap the bear in mid-December but instead ensnared another creature entirely.
Johnson expressed frustration and concern, stating that the situation was going nowhere and worrying about potential damage to his home. The CDFW has confirmed that the bear is no longer present on the premises, although it remains unclear when or why it departed.
According to Cort Klopping of the CDFW, this instance highlights a common scenario during the winter months, where bears seek out warm and safe spaces to den. Klopping expressed disappointment at the situation, preferring to see these animals thriving in their natural habitats rather than taking up residence under human dwellings.
While the Department has committed to assisting Johnson, they emphasized that securing his crawlspace will be his responsibility once the bear is gone. A representative for Johnson noted earlier that he was cautious not to take any drastic measures, which might lead to legal repercussions regarding a protected animal in his home.
The homeowner, Ken Johnson, reported being at his wit's end as he struggled to coax the massive 550-pound animal out of the confined space. Department biologists attempted to trap the bear in mid-December but instead ensnared another creature entirely.
Johnson expressed frustration and concern, stating that the situation was going nowhere and worrying about potential damage to his home. The CDFW has confirmed that the bear is no longer present on the premises, although it remains unclear when or why it departed.
According to Cort Klopping of the CDFW, this instance highlights a common scenario during the winter months, where bears seek out warm and safe spaces to den. Klopping expressed disappointment at the situation, preferring to see these animals thriving in their natural habitats rather than taking up residence under human dwellings.
While the Department has committed to assisting Johnson, they emphasized that securing his crawlspace will be his responsibility once the bear is gone. A representative for Johnson noted earlier that he was cautious not to take any drastic measures, which might lead to legal repercussions regarding a protected animal in his home.
. I mean, can you imagine having 550 pounds of fur and claws in your crawlspace? 
It's no wonder he was at his wit's end trying to get it out. And poor department biologists, getting tangled up with another creature instead of catching the bear 
.
. Like, maybe some bear-friendly alternatives to human homes? A warm denning site would be awesome for these animals during winter months 
️.
. Maybe we should think about ways to coexist with wildlife and provide them better options instead of forcing them into human spaces? 
like a whole month in someone's crawlspace? i feel bad for the bear tho... 550 lbs is huge and they just wanna snuggle up n take a nap 
, not get trapped. 
. Hope the bear is doing well and finds some comfy spot to snuggle up in... like a big ol' cave somewhere 
.
. It's just wild how these bears seek out warm and safe spaces during winter months - totally get why they'd want to cozy up somewhere 
! I hope Ken is able to secure his crawlspace properly and avoid any more bear-related drama 