Full Breakdown
A Bear Takes Up Residence: The Unusual Encounter in Los Angeles
1/30/2026, 11:36:33 PM
The Unexpected Intruder
In November 2025, a resident of Los Angeles discovered an unexpected tenant beneath his home: a large black bear. Initially alerted by a motion notification from his security cameras, the homeowner, Ken Johnson, observed the bear rummaging through his trash. This was not the first encounter with local wildlife, as raccoons and skunks were common, but a bear was unprecedented. The situation escalated when the bear was seen emerging from a small basement opening, prompting a mix of disbelief and concern from Johnson.
Life with a Bear
Following the initial sighting, Johnson's life transformed dramatically. He described a split between his ordinary activities, such as making coffee and caring for his indoor cat, Boo, and the anxiety of living with a bear beneath his home. The bear’s presence became a source of constant monitoring, with Johnson checking cameras to see what was happening below. The tension heightened when he encountered the bear directly, experiencing a visceral fight-or-flight response that left him shaken.
Attempts to Evict the Bear
In an effort to encourage the bear to leave, Johnson tried various methods suggested by friends, including loud noises and music, but these attempts proved futile. The bear seemed to settle in further, prompting the involvement of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. They set up a bear trap in a neighbor's driveway and attempted to lure the bear with scents like sardines and cherries, later switching to butterscotch. However, these efforts were unsuccessful, and the bear continued to inhabit the space beneath Johnson's home.
Community Response and Resolution
As the situation gained media attention, the local community became engaged, sharing their own encounters with the bear, nicknamed “Unbearable” or “Volkswagen” due to its size. The resolution came when members of the Bear League intervened, using paintball guns loaded with vegetable oil pellets to scare the bear out from its hiding spot. This unconventional method proved effective, allowing the bear to exit the confined space.
Official Statements & Responses
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife acknowledged the challenges posed by urban wildlife encounters, emphasizing the importance of safely managing such situations. Johnson's experience highlights the complexities of human-wildlife interactions in urban areas, where wildlife adaptation to human environments can lead to unexpected and often humorous situations.
Criticism & Opposition
While many found humor in the bear's antics, some critics raised concerns about the safety of both the bear and the residents. The use of paintball guns, even with non-lethal pellets, sparked debate regarding the ethical treatment of wildlife during relocation efforts.
Verbatim Quotes
“Some guys from the organisation Bear League actually crawled into the space with him and scared him out using paintball guns with pellets made of vegetable oil.” — Ken Johnson, Homeowner
“ Locally, he’s known as “Unbearable” or “Volkswagen” because he’s the size of one.” — Ken Johnson, Homeowner
This unusual encounter serves as a reminder of the challenges and humor that can arise from living in proximity to wildlife, particularly in urban settings.
