Bear Takes Up Residence in Altadena Home’s Crawlspace
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A homeowner in Altadena, California, experienced an unexpected and unsettling surprise this week as a black bear took up residence in the crawlspace of his home. The incident highlights the increasing challenges of wildlife encounters in suburban areas and raises questions about homeowner safety and preventative measures.
Ken Johnson, the Altadena resident, initially installed a security camera after noticing minor disturbances around his property. For months, the camera captured only occasional glimpses of a bear casually traversing the neighborhood. “Comes by every three months or so,” Johnson saeid of the animal. “Just walks up one driveway, walks down the other.”
From Occasional Visitor to Uninvited Houseguest
The situation escalated dramatically this past week when Johnson discovered the bear had breached the screen protecting the entrance to his crawlspace. Initially skeptical,he dismissed the possibility of the animal actually entering the confined space. “When I saw it all torn up, I thought, ‘He must not be under there,’ because there is no way a bear could fit,” Johnson explained.
He was quickly proven wrong. The bear, described as plump, managed to squeeze into and out of the small opening. Surveillance footage confirmed the bear’s newfound comfort level with the homeowner’s property.
“Monday night, my camera went off and there he was coming up the driveway, knocking over the trash,” Johnson recounted. “and the next morning, there he is crawling out from under the crawlspace.” The bear has since been repeatedly spotted on camera, establishing a daily routine of entering and exiting its unusual shelter.
Did you know? – Black bears are native to California and can be found in various habitats,including forests,mountains,and even suburban areas. They are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals, and are known for their intelligence and adaptability.
A Terrifying Encounter and Search for solutions
The situation took a especially frightening turn on Friday when Johnson attempted to change the batteries in the security camera. “I went around to put batteries in the camera, and this huge growl comes from out from under the crawlspace and I just went running,” he said. “I mean, it was the most amazing roar you’ve ever heard. Like a lion with a hiss on top of it.”
Both Johnson and his cat, Boo, are understandably frightened by their unexpected roommate. Local law enforcement advised johnson that he would be safe as long as he remained inside his home.
Pro tip: – To avoid attracting bears, secure trash cans with bear-resistant lids, remove bird feeders, and clean up any fallen fruit from trees.Never leave pet food outside, and consider installing motion-activated lights to deter wildlife from approaching your home.
Despite the unsettling nature of the situation, Johnson is attempting to maintain a sense of humor. “It is hilarious,” he said.”I mean, I’m taking the lighter side of it, but it’s also worrying me a little bit having something so big and ferocious living right there! It’s kind of weird.”
preventing future Wildlife Intrusions
Wildlife experts recommend a multi-faceted approach to deterring animals from entering homes. This includes installing electric fencing, using sturdy grates to block access points, and employing scent deterrents such as ammonia.
Reader question: – Have you ever had a close encounter with wildlife? what steps did you take to ensure your safety and prevent future incidents? Share your experiences and advice in the comments. Let’s learn from each other!
Johnson has contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for assistance in resolving the situation. As of this publication, the department has not yet responded. The incident
