Homeowner uses ‘unwelcome’ mat to evict bear
CALIFORNIA, Jan 12: A massive black bear that had been living under the crawl space of a Los Angeles-area home for over a month was finally evicted, much to the relief of homeowner Ken Johnson.
The Altadena resident first noticed the bear denning beneath his house around Thanksgiving. During that time, the animal caused considerable damage, twisting gas lines, toppling bricks, and easily navigating through a small opening by tearing away screening and other barriers, as captured by surveillance video.
Initially, Johnson sought help from state wildlife officials, who attempted to remove the bear using air horns and paintball guns, but these measures failed to dislodge the persistent animal.
Frustrated but determined, Johnson reached out to BEAR League, a California nonprofit focused on helping humans and bears coexist safely.
Upon arrival, one of the group’s most experienced responders crawled into the crawl space and approached the bear, estimated to weigh more than 500 pounds (227 kilograms).
Within about 20 minutes, the bear was successfully encouraged to leave the premises, ending its month-long occupation. Johnson described the experience with humor, comparing it to having unwanted dinner guests over: once the bear was gone, the house felt empty, though there was now a mess to clean up.
The incident highlights the challenges of coexisting with wildlife in suburban areas, where bears sometimes encroach on human dwellings in search of shelter or food.
The successful eviction by BEAR League demonstrates the effectiveness of specialized, humane intervention techniques over traditional deterrents like loud noises or paintball guns. Johnson expressed relief that the situation was resolved safely for both his family and the bear, whose return to the wild ensures it can continue to thrive in its natural environment without causing further property damage.
The story serves as a reminder of the growing interaction between humans and wildlife in California, emphasizing the need for thoughtful, non-lethal management strategies in residential areas where such encounters are becoming increasingly common. (AP)
