Unwanted Houseguest Takes up Residence Beneath a Home
A California homeowner in Altadena says a 550-pound black bear has established residency in the crawl space under his house, living there for more than a month. The situation has drawn the attention of neighbors, wildlife officials, and safety experts who are weighing the best ways to handle a behemoth that refuses to leave a human dwelling.
Ken Johnson, 63, who owns the residence, told local news outlets that the bear’s presence has completely changed the rhythm of life on and around his property. He described sounds coming from beneath the house and the unsettling feeling of sharing a space with an animal large enough to cause serious harm if cornered or startled. For Johnson, the fear isn’t just about property damage; it’s about personal safety and the risk of a potential interaction that could end poorly for either party.
The incident highlights a growing wildlife challenge in suburban and urban fringes of Southern California, where encroachment by humans can push large mammals like black bears closer to homes. Experts note that bear activity in residential neighborhoods is not unusual in the region, especially as food sources become scarcer in nearby wild areas or as bears become habituated to easy finds such as unsecured trash, pet food, or backyard bird feed.
Local wildlife officers have been in touch with Johnson to assess the situation and outline safety steps. Authorities emphasize: never attempt to corral, feed, or interact with a wild bear. For a bear of this size, missteps can be dangerous, and professional handling is essential to prevent injury to people and to the animal alike.
What Are the Next Steps?
Officials typically approach a case like this with a careful plan to ensure the bear’s relocation without causing it to retreat to more dangerous behavior. Depending on the site, options may include securing the home to deny ongoing access, cleaning up attractants around the property, and arranging a relocation with wildlife professionals who have the proper permits and training to handle large bears safely.
In some cases, wildlife biologists may need to tranquilize the animal under controlled conditions, then transport it to a suitable habitat. The process can take hours and requires a coordinated team to minimize stress to the bear while protecting the public. For homeowners, this is often a reminder to conduct a property audit for potential attractants and entry points that could invite wildlife into living spaces in the first place.
Practical Advice for Homeowners Facing Wildlife Intrusions
Residents who find wildlife under or inside their homes should follow these general guidelines:
- Keep a safe distance and avoid cornering the animal. Do not attempt to trap, feed, or approach.
- Call local animal control or wildlife authorities for guidance and potential intervention.
- Secure trash cans, remove pet food, and eliminate other attractants from outdoor areas.
- Inspect for points of entry—cracks in foundations, crawl space vents, or gaps around doors—and seal them after professionals advise on safe exclusion methods.
- Educate family members and neighbors about safety protocols to reduce the risk of accidental encounters.
For the homeowner, the priority is balancing safety with humane treatment. A bear forced to escalate its search for food can cause more risk, so a methodical, professional approach is essential. The Altadena case serves as a reminder that wildlife can adapt rapidly to human environments, and each encounter carries unique challenges that require patience and expertise.
Why Bears Enter Residential Areas
Black bears are adaptable omnivores that roams areas with forest patches, hillsides, and sometimes urban landscapes. Seasonal shifts, drought, and food availability influence bear movement. When a bear discovers a reliable, low-effort source of food—whether trash, bird feeders, or exposed pet food—it may linger in the area longer than typical. While sightings are alarming, they also highlight the importance of responsible waste management and securing potential food sources to minimize human-wildlife conflicts in California neighborhoods.
