A remarkable encounter unfolded recently when California wildlife officials rescued a massive 525-pound bear found hiding beneath the crawl space of a home evacuated due to the devastating Eaton Fire.
The fire, which ravaged parts of Southern California, led to widespread evacuations, and many residents were forced to leave their homes. Upon returning, one homeowner was shocked to learn from the utility company they could not restore power due to the presence of this large bear, which was preventing workers from accessing necessary equipment.
Kevin Howells, environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), spearheaded the rescue operation. Howells noted the peculiar nature of the incident, stating, "When the homeowner eventually returned home from the fire, he was told his power could not be restored due to the bear’s presence where power crews needed to work."
With the urgency of the situation—and the bear’s significant size—tranquilization was ruled out as too risky. Instead, Howells and his team of eight decided to set up a bear trap near the crawl space. They enticed the bear with bait, which included apples, peanut butter, and rotisserie chicken. "We got some apples, peanut butter and some rotisserie chicken," Howells explained, showcasing the strategy adopted by the team.
Remarkably, within minutes of placing the trap, the bear emerged, wandered inside, and triggered the trap door, demonstrating just how effective their baiting method was. It was reported by CDFW officials, "Within minutes of placing the trap, the bear came out of the crawl space, walked inside and triggered the trap door closed."
Once safely trapped, the bear was transported to the Angeles National Forest. Upon arrival, wildlife officials performed welfare checks and measured the bear before attaching a GPS collar to aid future tracking. With these necessary precautions taken, the bear was eventually released back to his natural habitat.
Locals, who had long been familiar with the bear, affectionately nicknamed him "Barry." Neighbors expressed their shared history with the animal, with several reporting sightings of the bear over the years. The community had kept watch, often calling attention to Barry and his escapades.
Following the bear's successful relocation, the Altadena home underwent significant modifications to prevent such incidents from reoccurring. CDFW officials highlighted the importance of home safety around wildlife-rich areas, saying, "It’s important to close crawl spaces with bear-proof material...to discourage bears from denning and damaging property."
This incident exemplifies the challenges wildlife faces during natural disasters, as animals flee flames and encroach upon human habitats. The CDFW emphasizes the need for homeowners to contact wildlife professionals when encountering large animals to assess the situation effectively.
While the bear has been successfully removed and utilities restored, the call for public vigilance and protective measures remains relevant, particularly as the winter months approach. California’s officials are urging residents—especially those living near wildlife habitats—to bear-proof their properties.
With communities like Altadena frequently witnessing bear interactions, educating the public on coexistence with wildlife is increasingly important. The CDFW, alongside local residents, continues to promote safety and awareness to navigate the complex relationship between nature and living spaces.
The smooth operation of the bear rescue and the enduring fondness for Barry among Altadena residents show both the challenges and triumphs experienced when wildlife and communities interact under such extraordinary circumstances.