Full Breakdown
Bear Evicted from Altadena Home After Month-Long Ordeal
1/9/2026, 11:18:14 AM
Bear's Extended Stay Under a California Home
A 550-pound male black bear, known as Yellow 2120, was removed from beneath Ken Johnson's home in Altadena, California, after residing there for nearly two months. The bear entered the crawl space around Thanksgiving, leading Johnson to seek assistance from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Initial removal attempts included the use of air horns, chemical scents, and traps, all of which proved ineffective. Frustrated by the lack of progress, Johnson threatened legal action against the state for their inability to resolve the situation.
Successful Eviction Strategy
The turning point came when Johnson contacted the BEAR League, a nonprofit organization specializing in bear removal, based in Lake Tahoe. On Tuesday, BEAR League volunteers employed a unique strategy involving paintballs filled with vegetable oil to encourage the bear to exit the crawl space. One volunteer crawled under the house, aware that the bear was still present, and successfully prompted its departure in under ten minutes. Surveillance footage captured the bear squeezing out of the crawl space and fleeing the area.
Aftermath and Preventative Measures
Following the bear's eviction, BEAR League installed electric unwelcome mats at the crawl space entrance to deter any future visits. The organization emphasized the importance of securing crawl spaces to prevent wildlife from entering homes, stating, "A poorly-secured crawl space is an open invitation for a winter visitor like this bear." They noted that they respond to multiple bear eviction calls daily during this time of year and have been doing so for 30 years without charging homeowners.
Official Statements & Responses
The BEAR League expressed satisfaction with their successful intervention, stating, "We are pleased to have helped Ken Johnson with this bear." They highlighted the need for residents in bear country to take simple precautions to coexist safely with wildlife. Johnson himself remarked on the efficiency of the BEAR League's approach, stating, “I couldn’t believe it was so fast.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the successful removal, Johnson's initial frustrations with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were evident, as he felt abandoned during the ordeal. His threat of litigation underscored the perceived inadequacies of state efforts to manage wildlife conflicts effectively.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the bear was reported to weigh 550 pounds, some sources indicated it was 500 pounds. Additionally, the bear's current whereabouts remain unknown following its eviction.
What's Next
The BEAR League plans to continue educating homeowners on wildlife coexistence and will monitor the situation to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
