UPDATE: An Altadena homeowner faced an unexpected and startling situation when a large bear decided to make the crawlspace of his home its new sanctuary. This unusual encounter has captivated local residents and raised concerns about wildlife interactions in suburban neighborhoods.
On November 28, 2025, Ken Johnson reported hearing a terrifying growl emanating from beneath his house, leading him to investigate with a security camera he had installed after noticing odd disturbances around his property. Initially, Johnson dismissed the possibility of a bear taking refuge in the crawlspace, believing it was too small for such a large animal.
“I thought, ‘He must not be under there,’ because there is no way a bear could fit,” Johnson said. However, his disbelief turned to shock when the camera captured the bear knocking over trash and crawling out from its hidden lair. “Monday night, my camera went off, and there he was coming up the driveway,” Johnson added.
Since that night, the bear has been spotted daily on camera, frequently returning to its unusual abode. Johnson described a particularly alarming encounter: “I went around to put batteries in the camera, and this huge growl came from under the crawlspace, and I just went running. It was the most amazing roar you’ve ever heard—like a lion with a hiss on top of it.”
Both Johnson and his beloved cat, Boo, are understandably anxious about their furry intruder. Local authorities have advised Johnson that as long as he remains indoors, he is safe. “It is hilarious,” Johnson remarked, trying to find humor in the bizarre situation. “But it’s also worrying me a little bit having something so big and ferocious living right there! It’s kind of weird.”
Wildlife experts are now weighing in, recommending preventive measures such as electric fencing, sturdy grates, and scent deterrents like ammonia to keep wildlife at bay. The growing presence of bears in suburban areas highlights the urgent need for residents to take precautions to avoid encounters with these powerful animals.
As the situation develops, residents of Altadena are closely monitoring Johnson’s peculiar predicament, with many curious about how he plans to resolve the issue. Will he find a way to safely evict his unexpected guest?
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds. The increasing frequency of bear sightings in urban areas raises vital questions about wildlife management and community safety. This incident has not only shocked one homeowner but has also sparked conversations about the coexistence of humans and wildlife in suburban neighborhoods.
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