Full Breakdown
Bear Takes Up Residence Under Altadena Home, Frustrating Local Resident
12/20/2025, 7:02:15 AM
The Uninvited Guest: A Bear in the Crawl Space
Ken Johnson, a resident of Altadena, California, has been living with a 550-pound black bear, nicknamed "Unbearable," under his home for over three weeks. The bear first appeared on November 30, 2025, and has since disrupted Johnson's life, leading him to cancel his traditional Christmas gathering. Johnson humorously noted that he might ask guests to "bring your own bear" if they still wanted to visit. The bear's presence has not only affected his holiday spirit but has also caused damage to the property, waking Johnson early in the morning and destroying hardware beneath his house.
Attempts to Remove the Bear
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has been actively working to remove the bear from Johnson's property. Their initial strategy involved using a scent spray designed to attract bears, which Johnson described as overwhelmingly unpleasant. Following this, a bear trap was set with bait including fried chicken and sardines. However, the trap captured a different bear, a healthy male estimated to be three to four years old, which was subsequently released into a nearby suitable habitat. CDFW spokesperson Cort Klopping confirmed that the intended bear, identified as "Yellow 2120" due to its ear tag, remains under Johnson's home.
Johnson's Frustration and Holiday Wishes
Johnson expressed his desire for the bear to leave, stating, "as cute as he is, it’s definitely time to go." He humorously added that he hopes for a "Christmas miracle" where the bear would emerge during daylight, allowing him to capture a memorable photograph. The situation has attracted significant media attention, with numerous camera crews and onlookers visiting the area, which has further unsettled the bear.
Official Statements and Responses
CDFW officials have acknowledged the challenges of managing wildlife interactions with residential areas, emphasizing that bears typically seek warm and safe places to den during this time of year. Klopping noted, "Unfortunately, it sounds like this is what that bear has potentially found under the homeowner's house." Johnson's experience highlights the complexities of human-wildlife coexistence, particularly in regions where urban development encroaches on natural habitats.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While Johnson's account of the bear's disruptive behavior is consistent across sources, there is a discrepancy regarding the bear's identity and the effectiveness of the CDFW's trapping efforts. The captured bear was confirmed not to be the one residing under Johnson's home, raising questions about the department's strategies and the potential for further encounters with wildlife in residential areas.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You don’t really feel like having people over when there’s a big creature under your house,” — Ken Johnson, Resident
- “I want the the bear to leave, as cute as he is it’s definitely time to go. It would be a Christmas miracle.” — Ken Johnson, Resident
- “Unfortunately, it sounds like this is what that bear has potentially found under the homeowner's house in the crawlspace,” — Cort Klopping, CDFW Spokesperson
As the holiday season approaches, Johnson's situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by wildlife in suburban environments, prompting discussions about wildlife management and community safety.
