Full Breakdown
Bear Trap in Altadena Catches Wrong Bear
12/23/2025, 9:53:52 PM
Bear's Unwelcome Residence
In Altadena, California, a 550-pound California black bear has taken up residence in the crawl space of Ken Johnson's home, prompting a series of attempts by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to remove the animal. The bear, referred to as Yellow 2120 due to its ear tag, has been living under Johnson's home for nearly a month, having first entered the crawl space at the end of November. Johnson initially discovered the bear's presence after noticing damage around the crawl space entrance and later confirmed its existence through motion-activated cameras.
Failed Capture Attempts
On December 16, CDFW set a large metal bear trap near the crawl space, baited with cherry and caramel scents. However, the trap captured a different bear, a healthy male estimated to be 3 or 4 years old, which was subsequently tagged and relocated to a nearby habitat. CDFW biologist Cort Klopping confirmed that the captured bear was not Yellow 2120, highlighting the challenges of managing bear populations in the area. "A non-target bear was caught in the trap set out for Yellow 2120," Klopping stated.
Ongoing Challenges for Homeowner
Johnson has resorted to various methods to encourage the bear to leave, including playing recordings of barking dogs and creating loud noises around his home. Despite these efforts, he reports feeling increasingly uneasy living with the bear nearby. "You wake up in the middle of the night and hear this banging from underneath the house," Johnson expressed, indicating the psychological toll the situation has taken on him. He described the bear's size as surprising, noting, "I thought, 'He must not be under there,' because there is no way a bear could fit."
Official Responses and Context
CDFW officials have indicated that this time of year is typical for bears seeking warm and safe places to den, which likely explains Yellow 2120's choice of residence. The agency continues to monitor the situation, but Johnson remains in a state of uncertainty as he waits for the bear to vacate his property. "This is very humbling. There’s a bear under my house, and there’s nothing I can do about it," he remarked.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While CDFW has confirmed the bear's identity and its capture of a different bear, discrepancies exist regarding the bear's behavior and the effectiveness of the traps. Johnson's experiences suggest a growing frustration with the situation, as he feels increasingly helpless in resolving the issue.
What's Next
As Johnson continues to live with the bear beneath his home, he remains hopeful that the CDFW will successfully capture Yellow 2120 in the near future. The ongoing situation underscores the complexities of human-wildlife interactions in suburban areas, particularly in regions with significant bear populations like the San Gabriel Valley.
