California Bear Evicted from Home May Have Found New Shelter Nearby
ALTADENA, Calif. — A bear that had taken up residence beneath a California home for several months has been evicted but may have simply moved next door. The animal had been living underneath Ken Johnson’s Altadena house since at least April, prompting months of concern and intervention. Thanks to the efforts of BEAR League, a Lake Tahoe-based nonprofit specializing in human-wildlife conflict resolution, the bear was finally displaced last week.
BEAR League installed an electrified mat at the entrance of Johnson’s crawlspace to prevent the bear from returning, a humane deterrent aimed at encouraging the animal to seek shelter elsewhere. However, residents about half a mile away have reported and documented a bear now inhabiting their own crawlspace, raising questions about whether it is the same animal.
Officials have not yet confirmed if the new occupant is indeed the displaced bear from Johnson’s property. Wildlife experts caution that bears often seek out sheltered, quiet spaces to den, and crawlspaces beneath homes can provide such refuge, especially in suburban areas bordering wilderness. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife advises residents to secure their properties and avoid attracting bears with accessible food or shelter.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife coexistence in California, where expanding development increasingly intersects with natural bear habitats. Organizations like BEAR League play a critical role in safely managing these encounters without harm to either humans or animals. Their approach aligns with guidelines from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which promotes non-lethal methods for bear deterrence and relocation.
Residents in Altadena and surrounding communities are urged to remain vigilant and report bear sightings to local authorities. The National Park Service offers resources on bear behavior and safety tips for those living in bear country. Meanwhile, the U.S. Forest Service continues to monitor bear activity in California’s wildland-urban interface zones, where encounters are becoming more frequent.
The situation also underscores the importance of community awareness and preparedness. Simple measures such as securing garbage, removing bird feeders during bear season, and installing bear-proof containers can significantly reduce attractants. The Environmental Protection Agency provides guidelines on managing wildlife attractants to minimize conflicts.
As the bear’s new whereabouts remain under observation, local wildlife officials and nonprofits remain committed to promoting safe coexistence strategies. While the bear’s relocation may bring temporary relief to one household, it serves as a reminder that in California’s diverse ecosystems, humans and wildlife must continually adapt to sharing space.
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