Takeaways:
- A 525-pound bear was found hiding beneath an evacuated Altadena home after the Eaton Fire.
- Wildlife officials successfully trapped and relocated the bear to the Angeles National Forest.
- The homeowner was unable to restore power until the bear was removed.
- Residents had nicknamed the bear “Barry” due to its frequent appearances in the community.
- Authorities emphasize bear-proofing crawl spaces to prevent similar incidents.
Unexpected Guest Discovered Post-Evacuation
After the Eaton Fire forced evacuations in Altadena, residents returning to their homes expected to find damage, but one homeowner discovered an entirely different surprise—a massive 525-pound bear taking shelter beneath their house.
When utility workers attempted to restore power to the home, they found themselves unable to access the necessary crawl space due to the bear’s unexpected presence. Wildlife officials from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) were quickly called in to handle the situation.
Rescue Operation: A Baited Trap Strategy
Given the bear’s size and location, tranquilization was ruled out as an option. Instead, wildlife experts devised a baited trap strategy to lure the bear out safely.
“We got some apples, peanut butter, and some rotisserie chicken,” said CDFW Environmental Scientist Kevin Howells, explaining the lure used in the trap.
A team of eight specialists worked for nearly 24 hours to secure the bear. Shortly after the bait was placed, the bear emerged from the crawl space, entered the trap, and triggered the door to close behind it.
Successful Relocation to the Angeles National Forest
Once captured, the bear was transported to the Angeles National Forest, where wildlife officials conducted a thorough welfare check. The bear was measured, fitted with a GPS collar, and safely released back into its natural habitat.
A Familiar Face in the Community
Locals told KTLA that the bear, affectionately nicknamed “Barry,” had been a familiar sight in the neighborhood for years. His frequent visits had made him somewhat of a local celebrity.
Preventing Future Bear Encounters
Following Barry’s removal, the homeowner took steps to bear-proof their property by securely boarding up the crawl space to prevent future intrusions. CDFW officials remind residents living in bear-prone areas to take proactive measures before winter months to avoid attracting wildlife.
“In the foothills of bear country, it’s important to close crawl spaces with bear-proof material in advance of winter months to discourage bears from denning and damaging property,” CDFW officials advised.