A Bear-y Nuisance: The Altadena Home Invasion

In the quiet neighborhood of Altadena, California, a remarkable story has unfolded as a massive bear has taken up residence under a local homeowner’s house. Known colloquially as "Bear 2120," this hefty 550-pound male bear has become a local sensation, attracting curious onlookers and instigating a host of efforts from both the homeowner and wildlife officials to evict him. Despite various tactics—ranging from blasting radios to setting up camera traps and using enticing lures—the bear shows no intention of vacating its unexpected domicile. The homeowner, Ken Johnson, has described the situation as both stressful and comical, perfectly capturing the paradox of a beloved animal wreaking havoc under one’s home.

The Bear’s Arrival

The saga began when Ken Johnson installed a camera to monitor his cat, not expecting to find a bear in the feed. In June, he noticed some damage to his crawl space, but the sighting on November 25 confirmed his suspicions: a massive bear was living beneath his home. Ever since, the animal has been a frequent resident, showing up day after day as it approaches the record for the longest occupancy of a crawl space by a bear in the area—a mark set previously by what is believed to be the same bear. For Johnson, the constant growling and thumping sounds from below have turned from a curiosity into a source of anxiety.

Attempts to Evict

Despite efforts made by Johnson and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the bear remains undeterred. Johnson has employed numerous DIY methods to encourage the bear to leave, including flooding the crawl space with air from a blower, blasting music, and even using ammonia-soaked towels. The local biologists have set up cameras and deployed sweet-smelling lures, but this has not produced the desired results. Johnson’s frustration is palpable as he juggles the stress of the bear’s presence and the growing number of onlookers flocking to his property.

Stress and Wildlife Interference

Wildlife officials believe that the intense activity surrounding Johnson’s home is further stressing the bear, contributing to its reluctance to emerge. The public interest and media coverage have turned Johnson’s home into a mini-attraction, and the bear, initially adventurous, seems to be staying put. Curtis Klopping, a spokesperson for Fish and Wildlife, explains that the increased monitoring is intended to watch for any signs of movement from the bear, while efforts to alleviate its stress are ongoing.

The Community’s Attention

As more residents become aware of the bear’s situation, attention has only intensified. Klopping suggests that this commotion could have a silver lining; once the bear decides to exit the crawl space, the very fear of returning to that busy environment may discourage it from taking up residence there again. Johnson, meanwhile, reports feeling increasingly distressed, caught between appreciating the bear’s cuteness and the intense reality of having a wild animal living beneath his home.

The Future of Bear 2120

Growing up in Altadena, Johnson is no stranger to wildlife, but the increase in bear sightings since 2017 has changed his neighborhood’s dynamic. With Bear 2120 currently under his home, he is eager for a peaceful resolution. While he finds the bear adorable, the reality is that being so close to a wild creature poses risks. Johnson hopes that soon, the bear will vacate its makeshift home, allowing him to reclaim his peaceful living environment. The story of Bear 2120 serves as a fascinating intersection of wildlife, community interest, and human adaptability, highlighting the often comical yet serious challenges posed by urban wildlife.

Conclusion

This bear’s story is more than just a local curiosity; it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human habitation and wildlife. As urban areas encroach upon natural habitats, interactions like these are becoming increasingly common. While residents like Johnson grapple with unusual living situations, wildlife experts work tirelessly to find solutions that respect both the animals and the people involved. Whether Bear 2120 will emerge victorious and reclaim his space—only time will tell. Meanwhile, Johnson is left on edge, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution to his bear-sized dilemma.