The Curious Case of Yellow 2120: When Bear Removal Goes Hilariously Wrong
Have you ever had an unwelcome houseguest? Now imagine that guest weighs over 550 pounds and is a black bear! That’s exactly what Ken Johnson of Altadena, California, discovered this past November, and the ensuing attempt to resolve the situation offers a interesting - and slightly comical – look into human-wildlife conflict. This isn’t just a quirky news story; it highlights important considerations for homeowners in bear country and the challenges wildlife officials face.
A Bear in the Crawlspace: The Initial Finding
johnson first noticed bear activity on his property back in April. But it wasn’t until November that he pinpointed the source: a large black bear had taken up residence in the crawlspace beneath his home. As winter approaches, bears naturally seek out sheltered locations to den, and unfortunately, this bear – identified as Yellow 2120 – chose johnson’s house.
“It’s unfortunate. We want to see the bears in the woods, not in people’s homes,” explained Cort Klopping, a representative from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), to CBS Los Angeles. https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/bear-trap-living-under-altadena-home-catches-wrong-bear/
The Bait and the… Wrong Bear?
The CDFW responded to Johnson’s call for help, setting a metal crate trap baited with enticing scents: caramel and cherry. It’s a common tactic, leveraging a bear’s strong sense of smell. On december 16th,their efforts seemed successful – a bear was caught!
Though,a rapid realization dawned: this wasn’t Yellow 2120. They had captured a entirely different bear, one that had simply wandered onto the property. The original crawlspace resident remained comfortably hidden.
This incident underscores a key challenge in wildlife management: accurately targeting specific animals. It also highlights the opportunistic nature of bears, always on the lookout for a tasty meal. The captured bear was safely relocated to a more suitable habitat,but the problem at Johnson’s house persisted.
The Ongoing Stand-Off & Creative Solutions
As of December 23rd, Yellow 2120 is still residing under Johnson’s home. frustrated but undeterred, Johnson has resorted to unconventional methods to encourage the bear to leave. He’s been playing loud sounds, including recordings of barking dogs, hoping to disrupt the bear’s peace and prompt it to seek a new den.
So far, these efforts haven’t worked. This situation raises a critical question: what’s the best way to safely and humanely encourage a bear to leave a confined space?
Understanding Bear Behavior & Prevention
This story isn’t just about one bear and one homeowner. It’s a microcosm of the increasing interactions between humans and wildlife, especially in areas where development encroaches on natural habitats. Here’s what you need to know:
* Denning Season: Bears actively seek dens from fall through early spring. This is a crucial time for them to conserve energy and, for females, to give birth.
* Attractants: Bears are drawn to food sources. This includes pet food, garbage, bird feeders, and even compost piles. Secure these items to minimize attraction.
* Home Entry Points: Bears can exploit vulnerabilities in your home’s structure, like open crawlspaces or poorly secured doors.
* Recent Statistics: According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, bear incidents (reports of bears in populated areas) have been increasing in recent years. A 2023 report showed a 15% rise in reported incidents compared to the five-year average.https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/press-Releases#3891
Actionable Advice:
* secure Your Garbage: Use bear-resistant trash cans or store garbage in a secure garage until collection day.
* Remove bird Feeders: These are a meaningful