A California Homeowner's Unwanted Houseguest: A 550-Pound Black Bear
Imagine waking up to a 550-pound black bear living under your house, and you're not alone. This is the reality for one homeowner in Altadena, California, who has been dealing with an unexpected and potentially dangerous situation for over a month. Ken Johnson, 63, has been terrified by the bear's presence, which has caused significant damage, including a damaged gas line, forcing him to shut off the gas supply.
The bear's persistence is concerning. Johnson expressed his unease, stating, 'I thought he'd be long gone by now. It's unnerving. I think the longer he's there, the more comfortable he's going to be, and this won't end.'
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has been actively involved in addressing this issue. Despite limited staff, CDFW biologists have been in constant communication with Johnson since the bear was reported in November. They have set up traps with bait, installed cameras and lights for remote monitoring, and attempted to haze the bear from the property.
CDFW emphasizes that while black bears are common in California, the risk to residents is minimal. The statewide black bear population is estimated to be between 49,000 and 71,000, according to the CDFW.
The BEAR League, a California nonprofit dedicated to bear protection, advises homeowners to secure their crawl spaces in winter to prevent bear invasions. They warn that bears can fit through tiny openings and cause extensive damage once inside.
This situation highlights the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and human safety, leaving Johnson and other residents in a challenging predicament.
