Wildlife officers rescued a 525-pound bear discovered sheltering behind an evacuated home during the Eaton Fire.
When the evacuations were lifted and the owner of the Altadena property returned, their utility provider informed them that power could not be restored because a large bear was residing in the crawl area that workers needed to reach.
Wildlife experts from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife arrived at the house, and after examining the crawlspace and the male bear’s immense size, they judged that tranquilization was not an option.
Instead, they opted to set a baited bear trap near the entrance to the crawlspace.
“We got some apples, peanut butter, and rotisserie chicken,” explained CDFW Environmental Scientist Kevin Howells.
Howells and a team of eight workmen worked for over 24 hours to remove the huge bear. Shortly after laying the trap, the bear emerged from the crawlspace, stepped inside, and caused the trap door to close.
The bear was safely moved to the Angeles National Forest. He was released into the forest after officials checked his welfare, measured him, and fitted him with a GPS collar.
Locals informed KTLA that they’d spotted the bear prowling the neighborhood for years and had even dubbed him “Barry.”
The Altadena home has since been bear-proofed, and the crawl space is securely boarded up to prevent animals from entering in the future.
“In the foothills of bear country, it’s important to close crawl spaces with bear-proof material in advance of winter months to discourage bears from denning and damaging property,” said spokespersons for the CDFW.
