A 550-pound black bear has taken up residence under a home in Altadena, California — a situation that’s turned into a wildlife emergency, forcing state biologists to deploy traps, cameras, and hazing tactics while homeowners brace for a prolonged standoff.
It’s not every day you wake up to the sound of a dragon. But for 63-year-old Ken Johnson, that’s exactly what he’s heard — and feared — for over a month. The homeowner in Altadena, California, reports a 550-pound black bear living in the crawl space beneath his house. The bear’s presence has caused physical damage, including rupturing a gas line, forcing Johnson to shut off utilities — and it’s only getting more unnerving as time passes.
Johnson told KABC that the bear’s growls and movements have become a nightly ritual — and the damage is accumulating. “I thought he’d be long gone by now. It’s unnerving,” Johnson said. “I think the longer he’s there, the more comfortable he’s going to be, and this won’t end.”
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has been in constant communication with Johnson since November, when the bear first entered the unsecured crawl space. According to Cort Klopping, a CDFW spokesperson, the agency has deployed a multi-pronged strategy: baited traps, remote cameras, and lights to monitor the bear’s movements — and repeated hazing efforts to encourage it to leave.
“Despite very limited staff, CDFW biologists have been in constant communication with this homeowner since this bear was reported entering his unsecured crawlspace in November,” Klopping said. “We remain committed to helping this homeowner and have never indicated otherwise.”
While the situation has escalated into a local headline, it’s not an isolated incident. According to the CDFW, thousands of black bears are spotted annually in California — but the threat to residents remains low. The state’s black bear population is estimated to be between 49,000 and 71,000. “Presently, the statewide black bear population size is estimated to be between 49,000-71,000,” the CDFW reports.
However, when bears gain access to human dwellings — especially through unsecured crawl spaces — the risks escalate dramatically. The BEAR League, a California nonprofit dedicated to protecting bears, warns that once a bear enters a home’s understructure, it often makes itself at home — with potentially devastating consequences. “Bears are experts in fitting into the smallest of openings under houses and decks, and once they’re in, they make themselves at home, which can result in thousands of dollars in damage,” a BEAR League YouTube video says.
What Makes This Bear Different?
While many black bears are naturally curious and opportunistic, the bear in Altadena has demonstrated an unusual level of comfort with human structures. Its weight — 550 pounds — is significant. Adult male black bears typically weigh between 200 and 600 pounds, with the largest specimens exceeding 700 pounds. This particular bear’s size suggests it’s a mature male, which can be more aggressive and less fearful of humans.
Its behavior — staying for over a month, damaging a gas line, and emitting sounds Johnson describes as “dragon-like” — indicates it’s not just foraging. It’s settling in. Biologists believe the bear may have been drawn to the area by food sources, but once inside, it’s adapted to the environment. This is a textbook case of a “resident” bear — one that has learned to exploit human infrastructure.
What Homeowners Can Do to Prevent This
The BEAR League and CDFW both recommend proactive measures to prevent bears from entering crawl spaces. These include:
- Sealing all gaps and openings under the house with hardware cloth or metal mesh.
- Installing bear-proof fencing around the perimeter of the property.
- Removing attractants like unsecured trash, compost piles, and bird feeders.
- Securing outdoor storage areas and keeping pet food indoors.
- Using motion-activated lights and deterrents during nighttime hours.
“It’s not about chasing bears away — it’s about making your home unappealing to them,” says the BEAR League. “If you’re proactive, you’ll prevent the situation from escalating.”
Why This Matters for the Broader Community
While the bear under Johnson’s home is a localized crisis, it reflects a broader trend in California: urban and suburban expansion encroaching on bear habitats. As more people move into formerly wild areas, the chances of human-bear encounters increase. The CDFW reports that in recent years, the number of bear-related calls to wildlife services has risen by 25% — a trend that’s expected to continue.
Johnson’s case is a stark reminder that bears are not just wild animals — they’re adaptable, intelligent creatures that can thrive in human environments. And when they do, the consequences can be costly — both financially and emotionally. For Johnson, the bear isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a constant source of anxiety. “I’m just trying to live my life,” he said. “But every time I hear that sound, I’m reminded that I’m not alone — and I’m not safe.”
What’s Next for Johnson and the Bear?
As of now, the bear remains under the house — and the CDFW’s efforts to remove it are ongoing. Biologists have installed cameras to monitor the bear’s behavior and are working with Johnson to identify entry points and potential escape routes. The goal is to relocate the bear safely — without causing harm to either the animal or the homeowner.
Johnson has been advised to keep his distance, avoid feeding the bear, and report any unusual activity. “We’re not trying to kill it — we’re trying to help it leave,” Klopping said. “But if the bear becomes aggressive or continues to cause damage, we may have to consider more drastic measures.”
For now, Johnson is holding his breath — and hoping for a peaceful resolution. “I just want to go back to sleeping in my own bed,” he said. “But I’m not holding my breath.”
Stay informed with onlytrustedinfo.com — your source for the fastest, most authoritative analysis of breaking tech and wildlife news. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox.
