Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

550-Pound Bear Removed After Month-Long Stay in California Home

1/9/2026

50 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ken Johnson (homeowner) in California hosted a 550-pound bear for over a month, causing safety concerns, until removal on January 9, 2026.
State wildlife officials had previously failed, including a trap that caught the wrong bear.
The BEAR League used paintballs filled with vegetable oil to encourage the bear to exit.
After removal, the BEAR League loaned electric mats to deter return and urged securing crawl spaces.

1 of 1

Story summary

Ken Johnson (homeowner) in California hosted a 550-pound bear for over a month, causing safety concerns, until removal on January 9, 2026.
State wildlife officials had previously failed, including a trap that caught the wrong bear.
The BEAR League used paintballs filled with vegetable oil to encourage the bear to exit.
After removal, the BEAR League loaned electric mats to deter return and urged securing crawl spaces.