California Wildlife Officials Capture Wrong Bear in Altadena
ALTADENA, Calif. — In an unusual wildlife encounter, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officials mistakenly captured the wrong bear while attempting to remove a bruin that had taken up residence under a man’s home in Altadena. The incident underscores the challenges wildlife officials face when managing human-animal conflicts in suburban areas.
Ken Johnson first noticed signs of a bear frequenting his property as early as April, but it was not until November that he realized the animal had made its den in the crawlspace beneath his house. Concerned for both his family’s safety and the bear’s welfare, Johnson contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for assistance.
“California’s bears are known to seek out comfortable dens during this time of year,” explained CDFW representative Cort Klopping in an interview with CBS Los Angeles. “Unfortunately, it sounds like this bear found a cozy spot under the homeowner’s house. We want to see bears in the wild, not in people’s homes.”
In response, CDFW biologists set a metal crate trap on Johnson’s property, baiting it with enticing scents of caramel and cherry to lure the bear out. The trap was successful in capturing a bear on December 16, but officials soon discovered the captured animal was not the one residing under the house. Instead, it was a different bear that had wandered onto the property.
The captured bear was safely relocated to a more suitable habitat, but the original bear, identified as Yellow 2120, remains in its den beneath Johnson’s home. Despite efforts by Johnson to coax the animal out — including playing recordings of barking dogs and other loud noises — the bear has yet to emerge.
This incident highlights the complexities of wildlife management in urban-adjacent areas, where bears and humans increasingly intersect. The U.S. Geological Survey notes that such conflicts often require careful coordination between wildlife officials and residents to ensure safety and animal welfare.
Authorities urge residents in bear country to secure trash, avoid leaving pet food outdoors, and report any sightings to local wildlife agencies. The CDFW continues to monitor the situation in Altadena and is exploring additional strategies to safely remove the bear from beneath the home.
For more information on living safely alongside bears, the National Park Service provides guidelines and resources to minimize conflicts and promote coexistence.
As the holiday season unfolds, Johnson and wildlife officials alike hope for a peaceful resolution that protects both human and bear safety in this Southern California neighborhood.
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