Did You Know? California has the largest black bear population of any state, with estimates ranging from 30,000 to 55,000 bears. Understanding bear behavior is crucial for coexisting safely.
A persistent black bear, weighing around 500 pounds, recently concluded a weeks-long stay beneath a home in Altadena, California. The unusual situation unfolded as the animal took residence in the crawlspace of ken Johnson’s property prior to Thanksgiving, initiating a series of attempts to encourage its departure. Dealing with a bear removal situation can be incredibly stressful for homeowners, and this case highlights the challenges involved.
Initially, personnel from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife tried various methods to dislodge the bear. These included utilizing air horns, deploying chemical scents, and setting up a standard trap, but none proved successful in convincing the animal to leave its chosen shelter. As weeks passed, johnson’s frustration grew, particularly with what he perceived as a lack of decisive action from the state agency.
feeling increasingly helpless, Johnson publicly voiced his concerns and even threatened legal action against the state at the close of last year. This escalation drew attention to the difficulties homeowners face when dealing with wildlife intrusions and the responsiveness of wildlife management services.Fortunately, a resolution arrived with the intervention of dedicated volunteers.
Expert Intervention: The BEAR League to the Rescue
This week, a team from the Lake Tahoe-based nonprofit BEAR League stepped in to assist Johnson. The BEAR League specializes in bear-human conflict resolution and employs non-lethal methods to encourage bears to move on. Their approach proved remarkably effective.
In a daring move, a volunteer from the organization crawled under Johnson’s home, fully aware the bear was still present. The volunteer positioned themselves behind the animal and gently guided it towards the crawlspace opening, an operation captured on surveillance footage. Johnson expressed his astonishment at the speed of the intervention, stating, I couldn’t believe it was so fast. These guys went in, they crawled in behind him and, boom, he was out.
The video clearly shows the bear maneuvering out of the confined space and then quickly departing the property. Following the bear’s exit, the crawlspace was securely boarded up. To further deter the animal from returning, volunteers installed “electric unwelcome mats” at the former entrance point. These mats deliver a harmless but unpleasant shock, discouraging the bear from re-establishing residence.
Pro Tip: If you encounter a bear near your home, never approach it. maintain a safe distance and report the sighting to your local wildlife authorities. Secure food sources and garbage cans to minimize attractants.
The preventative measures proved effective. Surveillance footage captured the bear returning two nights later, seemingly attempting to reclaim its subterranean haven. However, the electrified mat quickly dissuaded it, prompting the animal to move on. Johnson expressed his relief, noting, I’m relieved - no more banging under the house and smelling him and wondering what’s going on under ther.
preventing Future Bear Encounters: A Proactive Approach
This incident serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of proactive measures to prevent bear encounters. As human progress continues to encroach upon bear habitats, these interactions are becoming increasingly common. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of attracting bears to your property:
* Secure Food Sources: Store all garbage in bear-resistant containers or indoors.
* Remove Attractants: Eliminate potential food sources such as pet food, bird feeders, and fallen fruit.
* Trim Vegetation: Keep shrubs and trees trimmed to reduce hiding places for bears.
* Install Motion-Activated Lights: These can deter bears from approaching your property at night.
* be Aware of your Surroundings: When hiking or spending time outdoors, make noise to alert bears to your presence.