A 550lb black bear that had taken up residence under a home in Altadena, California, for over a month has finally been removed. The bear, known as number 2120, was driven out using paintball guns and an electrified mat, according to reports.
Homeowner Ken Johnson first noticed the bear living in the crawl space beneath his home in late November. Despite efforts by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to trap the animal, they inadvertently captured a smaller bear instead, leaving the larger one in place. Johnson threatened to sue the DFW for negligence and emotional distress.
The bear had previously sought refuge under another home in the area before being relocated about 10 miles away. Following the Eaton wildfire in January, which scorched parts of Altadena, wildlife including bears sought shelter in the community. It is unclear if this bear was among those displaced by the fire.
On Tuesday, the Bear League, a non-profit based in Lake Tahoe, intervened by shooting paintball guns at the bear, successfully driving it from under the house. Johnson expressed surprise at the speed of the removal: 'These guys went in, they crawled in behind him and, boom, he was out.'
The bear attempted to return two days later but was deterred by an electrified mat covering the crawl space entrance. Johnson has since assessed the damage, which includes a ruptured gas line.
