In a surprising incident in Altadena, California, wildlife officials discovered a massive 525-pound bear hiding beneath a home after residents had evacuated due to the Eaton Fire. This unexpected encounter highlights the importance of wildlife precautions, especially for homes near forest areas.
Bear Discovered After Fire Evacuation
After the Eaton Fire evacuation orders were lifted, the homeowner returned to the property, only to be informed by a utility company that the power could not be restored. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife shared this unusual discovery on Facebook on January 29.
Upon investigation, officials found that a quarter-ton bear had taken shelter in the crawl space beneath the house. Environmental Scientist Kevin Howells and his team of eight were tasked with safely removing the bear.
Why Tranquilizing the Bear Wasn’t an Option
Due to the bear’s large size and the confined crawl space, Howells and his team ruled out the idea of using tranquilizers, as it posed risks to both the bear and the team. Instead, they chose a safer method: setting a trap outside the crawlspace opening.
Quick Capture: The Bear Takes the Bait
In a stroke of luck, the plan worked almost instantly. Within minutes of placing the trap, the bear emerged from the crawl space and walked right into it. This allowed officials to secure the bear safely and avoid any harm to the animal.
Relocating the Bear to Safety
After its capture, the bear was transported to Angeles National Forest. Wildlife experts conducted a thorough medical assessment, fitted the bear with a GPS tracking collar, and recorded its measurements before releasing it back into the wild, just after midnight.
Photos and Community Reactions
Photos of the enormous bear were shared by officials on social media, where people were amazed by its size. One user commented, “That’s a big boy,” while another exclaimed, “Man, that’s a big bear!”
Restoring the Home and Preventing Future Issues
The bear’s temporary shelter didn’t cause major damage, and the home’s utilities were quickly restored. However, officials emphasized the importance of securing crawl spaces in areas near wildlife. To prevent future incidents, the homeowner boarded up the crawl space with bear-proof materials.
Officials advised residents in bear-prone regions to secure their homes before winter months, as bears often seek warm places to den during colder seasons.
Altadena, located about 15 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, is known for its proximity to forested areas, making it an occasional hotspot for wildlife encounters.
This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between humans and wildlife in areas near nature. Bears, driven by instincts, seek safe spaces during winter. Simple preventive measures, like securing crawl spaces, can protect both homes and animals. The quick and humane response by wildlife officials shows the importance of being prepared when living near nature.
