A massive black bear that had taken up residence beneath a California home for over a month has been successfully and safely removed, ending a tense standoff for the homeowner.
A Long-Term Unwanted Guest
The saga began around Thanksgiving last year, when Ken Johnson, a resident of Altadena in the Los Angeles area, discovered the animal had made a den in the crawl space under his house. The bear's comings and goings were far from subtle, causing significant disruption and damage.
Surveillance footage captured the powerful creature easily tearing away protective screening and manoeuvring through a surprisingly small opening. Its activity resulted in twisted gas lines and toppled bricks, creating a hazardous and costly situation for Johnson.
Failed Deterrents and a Specialist Solution
Johnson initially sought help from state wildlife officials. Their attempts to drive the bear out using air horns and paintball guns proved ineffective against the determined animal. Faced with this failure, Johnson turned to a non-profit organisation called the BEAR League, which promotes coexistence and specialises in non-lethal wildlife interventions.
On Thursday, 8th January 2026, the group took decisive action. One of their most experienced responders performed the daring task of crawling into the confined space behind the bear, which was estimated to weigh more than 500 pounds (227 kilograms). The tactic worked swiftly. "I couldn't believe it was so fast," Johnson told local broadcaster KTLA. "These guys went in, they crawled in behind him and, boom, he was out."
Ensuring the Bear Stays Out
To prevent the bear's immediate return, the team installed an innovative deterrent: an 'unwelcome' mat designed to deliver a mild electric shock. The effectiveness of this measure was quickly confirmed when video footage showed the bear returning, stepping on the mat, and promptly running away from the property.
For Ken Johnson, the eviction closes a difficult chapter. He revealed on a GoFundMe page that the bear caused thousands of dollars in damage, a particularly heavy blow as he lost his job following last year's Eaton wildfire. His focus is now on repairing the damage and making his home fully liveable once again.
