550 Lbs. Bear That Went Viral for Living Under L.A. Home Returns to the Neighborhood Months After Being ‘Evicted’

In a curious turn of events, a black bear has made headlines once again for taking up residence beneath a home in Altadena, California. The bear, known as “Yellow 2120” and weighing in at an impressive 250 kg (approximately 550 lbs), was spotted on September 28 in the crawlspace of a property on Minoru Drive.

This most recent sighting is not the first time the bear has garnered public attention. Almost a year ago, it became a viral sensation after it was “evicted” from another nearby property where it had been living for over a month. The creature’s antics and its interactions with residents have made it a notable figure within the community.

According to Steve Clark, whose in-laws live in the house where the bear has returned, the family employed various methods in an effort to encourage the bear to leave. Efforts included blasting loud music and banging on the flooring above the bear’s lair. In a rather unconventional attempt to deter the furry visitor, Clark’s wife also resorted to using a leaf blower.

Clark stated, “I didn’t even realise that the bear could get all the way back to that access point,” highlighting the creature’s ability to navigate the home’s underbelly. He described the bear’s size, noting the damage it had done to the home’s ducts to reach its chosen hideout. The encounter took a surprising turn when Clark’s wife found herself face-to-face with the bear, an incident that startled her and caused a significant change in their approach to handle the situation.

Fortunately, the bear eventually left the crawlspace on its own, allowing a handyman to seal the entry points beneath the property. However, the animal has remained vigilant in its exploration of the Altadena area, keeping local residents on high alert.

This is not the first time the bear has stirred up trouble. Earlier this year, it faced legal action threats from a local resident, Kenneth Johnson. Johnson alleged that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife had failed to address the presence of the bear, which had lived beneath his home for over five weeks. The BEAR League, a non-profit organisation dedicated to wildlife conservation, successfully managed to remove the bear from Johnson’s property, highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding urban wildlife interactions.

During its time in the previous crawlspace, the bear was reported to have caused substantial damage to the home’s heating ducts. The BEAR League indicated that the bear had to force its way into the confined space, prompting concerns for both the animal’s and the homeowners’ safety. Video footage shared by the organisation recorded the bear attempting to escape its confined quarters, including attempts to dislodge an electric mat designed to prevent its return.

Homeowners have expressed their anxieties over the bear’s presence. One local resident described the unnerving experience of hearing the bear scuffling around beneath their home, saying, “It’s really scary when you hear the banging and crushing and scratching… he’s not happy.” This pressure from local fauna raises important questions regarding wildlife management in urban environments.

To further compound the issue, residents have taken to social media and platforms like GoFundMe to solicit funds for repairs caused by the bear’s previous escapades. This blend of concern for both safety and property highlights the complexities surrounding human-wildlife coexistence and the need for effective management strategies.

As “Yellow 2120” continues to roam freely, Altadena residents remain watchful, grappling with their unexpected neighbour. The unique situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between urban life and the natural world, as more wildlife ventures into human habitats in search of sustenance and shelter. How local authorities and communities respond to these increasing interactions may serve as a template for other areas facing similar challenges.