Altadena, California, December 30, 2025
In Altadena, California, a homeowner is facing the unusual challenge of sharing his crawl space with a 550-pound black bear. Ken Johnson is frustrated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s inability to evict the bear and is contemplating legal action for negligence and emotional distress. The situation has highlighted the complexities of wildlife management in suburban areas, raising questions about the balance between urban development and wildlife interactions as bear sightings rise across Los Angeles County.
Bear Trouble in Altadena: Local Homeowner Faces Challenges
A frustrated Altadena resident is considering legal action as a 550-pound black bear refuses to leave his crawl space.
Altadena, California – In an unusual turn of events, a local homeowner is dealing with an unexpected tenant—a 550-pound black bear that has made its home under his residence. With the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) struggling to evict the bear, the homeowner, Ken Johnson, is weighing his legal options, highlighting the complexities of wildlife management in California’s suburban neighborhoods.
Residents like Johnson are confronting the unique challenges that arise when urban environments intersect with wildlife habitats. While entrepreneurial innovation and local businesses thrive in this vibrant community, the presence of wildlife serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between urban development and nature. The rise in bear sightings in areas like Altadena brings to light the pressing need for proactive measures in managing human-wildlife interactions.
Persistent Bear Presence
Ken Johnson’s ordeal began just before Thanksgiving when he stumbled upon the bear beneath his home. Despite CDFW’s attempts to dislodge the animal using air horns, chemical scents, and traps, the bear remains undeterred in its cozy abode. Unfortunately for Johnson, a trap set for the bear ensnared a smaller, unrelated bear, complicating matters further. After feeling neglected by the state, Johnson is contemplating legal action, feeling the burden of emotional distress and the practical implications of having a bear effectively reside in his home. The situation has forced him to shut off his gas supply due to damages caused by the bear, leaving him without hot water.
Wildlife Officials’ Response
In response to the ongoing situation, CDFW officials continue to express their commitment to supporting Johnson. The department has suggested effective hazing techniques and stressed the importance of closing access points like the crawl space to prevent further bear incursions. Wildlife officials have even returned to monitor the situation, ensuring that efforts continue to facilitate the bear’s relocation while emphasizing the need for collaboration with residents.
Background Context
The increase in bear sightings across suburban Los Angeles County, including Altadena, stems from various factors such as drought conditions and a rising black bear population. These incidents point to an evolving dynamic between wildlife and urban development. The challenges faced by Johnson and other residents illustrate the pressing need for effective strategies to manage wildlife in urban ecosystems, ensuring safety for both homeowners and animals alike.
The Call for Balanced Solutions
The situation raises important discussions about the roles of government and community in wildlife management. As the state navigates the complexities of this dilemma, it sheds light on the opportunities for private investment in local solutions. Rather than relying entirely on state agency involvement, fostering partnerships between communities and wildlife experts could lead to more effective, localized strategies that address these ongoing challenges.
Community Engagement and Entrepreneurial Spirit
The Altadena bear incident highlights a growing awareness of the intertwining responsibilities of local government and the community. Engaging with residents to foster understanding, awareness, and responsibility can lead to innovative solutions that mitigate the risk of wildlife-human conflicts. By encouraging local engagement with wildlife experts, neighborhoods can develop proactive measures that enhance safety and promote coexistence, reflecting the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Southern California.
Conclusion
As Altadena’s resident Ken Johnson grapples with a bear under his home, the broader implications of wildlife management become increasingly relevant. This situation not only reinforces the importance of collaborative efforts between residents, businesses, and state agencies but also reflects the need for strategic planning in urban wildlife interactions. Supporting local initiatives and recognizing the role of community-driven solutions can lead to a safer environment for all—human and animal alike—as we navigate the evolving landscape of Southern California.
FAQ
What is the current situation with the bear under the homeowner’s house?
The 550-pound black bear remains in the crawl space beneath Ken Johnson’s Altadena home, despite multiple attempts by wildlife officials to remove it. The homeowner is considering legal action against the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for negligence and emotional distress.
What actions have wildlife officials taken to address the bear’s presence?
Wildlife officials have attempted to evict the bear using air horns, chemical scents, and traps. However, a trap set to capture the bear instead caught a smaller, unrelated bear. They have also advised the homeowner on hazing methods and the importance of closing the crawl space to prevent the bear’s return.
How has the homeowner responded to the bear’s presence?
Ken Johnson has expressed frustration with the situation and has employed unconventional methods, such as playing loud dog barking sounds to scare the bear away. Additionally, he has had to shut off his gas supply due to the bear’s destructive behavior.
What is the background context regarding bear sightings in the area?
Bear sightings in suburban areas of Los Angeles County, including Altadena, have become more common in recent years. Contributing factors include drought conditions and an increasing black bear population. The recent incidents signal the need for effective strategies in managing interactions with wildlife in urban settings.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Altadena, California |
| Homeowner | Ken Johnson |
| Bear’s Weight | 550 pounds |
| Bear’s Residence | Crawl space under Johnson’s home |
| Wildlife Officials’ Actions | Attempts to evict using air horns, chemical scents, traps; trap caught a smaller bear instead |
| Homeowner’s Actions | Considering lawsuit for negligence and emotional distress; using loud noises and fake dog barks to scare bear away |
| Wildlife Officials’ Response | Committed to assisting; advising on hazing methods and crawl space closure |
| Background | Increasing bear sightings in suburban Los Angeles County; factors include drought and growing black bear population |
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