An Altadena homeowner, Ken Johnson, has discovered an unexpected guest living beneath his home—a 500-pound black bear. Johnson noticed something was amiss when items around his house were knocked over, prompting him to install surveillance cameras near the crawlspace. To his surprise, the cameras captured footage of the bear slipping in and out of the crawlspace, effectively making it its new home.
Johnson, who had seen the bear before rummaging through trash, was shocked to find it residing under his house. “It was really big,” he told KTLA. “I’ve seen him before, but he was going through the trash and then the next morning he’s coming out from underneath my house.” The bear has since become a regular visitor, entering and exiting the crawlspace daily.
The situation took a more alarming turn when Johnson heard a growl while changing the camera batteries, causing him to flee. “It was the most amazing roar you’ve ever heard,” he said, describing it as a mix between a lion’s roar and a hiss, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Local law enforcement advised Johnson to stay indoors for safety, while he awaits assistance from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Johnson humorously remarked on the situation, saying, “I don’t need a bear for Christmas. I want to get rid of the bear for Christmas.” Wildlife experts recommend using electric fencing, sturdy grates, and scent deterrents like ammonia to prevent such incidents.
This is not the first time a bear has taken up residence under a home in the area. Earlier in the year, a bear nicknamed “Yogi” moved into a Pasadena crawlspace, and in 2024, a Sierra Madre family dealt with a similar situation. As Johnson continues to monitor the bear’s activity with his cameras, he hopes for a resolution soon.
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