A 550-pound black bear has made its home beneath a residence in Altadena, California. The homeowner, Ken Johnson, has endured this unusual situation for over a month and now considers seeking legal action.
Incident Background
Since the week of Thanksgiving, Johnson has captured numerous video clips of the bear wandering around his property and entering the crawlspace beneath his house. The bear’s presence has been confirmed through security camera footage.
Failed Removal Attempts
In an effort to scare away the bear, Johnson, who does not have a dog, attempted to utilize sounds that mimic barking. Unfortunately, the bear remains undeterred and continues to make its home below the house, causing concern for Johnson.
- Bear weighs approximately 550 pounds.
- Sighted under Johnson’s home for over a month.
- First noticed during Thanksgiving week.
- Security footage captures bear’s movements.
State Response
Johnson has reached out to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. In response, the department has installed additional cameras and attempted to lure the bear out of the crawlspace. A metal trap, scented with cherry and caramel, was set up, but it captured the wrong bear on December 16.
Despite their efforts, officials state they will not remove the bear from the property. Once the bear finally leaves, Johnson will need to ensure the crawlspace is secured to prevent any future intrusions.
Concerns About Legal Action
Johnson expresses anxiety over the potential legal ramifications of removing the bear himself. He understands that bears are protected animals and is wary of taking any drastic measures that could lead to penalties.
This unusual situation has left Johnson feeling both humbled and frustrated. “There’s a bear under my house, and there’s nothing I can do about it!” he remarked during an interview.
Conclusion
The ongoing presence of the black bear beneath Johnson’s home highlights the complex interactions between wildlife and residential areas. As efforts continue, both the homeowner and state officials navigate the challenges posed by this unique incident.
