Discovery of a 230kg Black Bear in a U.S. Home: Inside the Tale of the ‘Mysterious Tenant’ in the Basement

550-Pound Black Bear Takes up Residence in California Home’s Crawl Space

Altadena, CA – December 5, 2025 – A California homeowner experienced an unusual and unsettling surprise when a 550-pound black bear decided to move into the crawl space of his house. Ken Johnson of Altadena discovered the uninvited guest after noticing disarray under his home and afterward installing a security camera in June.

Footage revealed the bear repeatedly entering and exiting the crawl space, having created an opening by tearing away bricks. The bear, which was previously relocated last year, appears to have returned to the area seeking a safe, warm den as winter approaches. wildlife officials confirmed the bear was initially moved approximately 10 miles from Altadena but made its way back over the course of five months.

“I was so scared,I was shaking,” Johnson told local media. “I immediately reported it to the sheriff.”

Authorities believe the bear views the crawl space as a secure haven. They have advised Johnson to use scents bears dislike to deter its return. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife interactions in California,especially as bears seek shelter during colder months.

what proactive measures can homeowners take to prevent similar incidents of bears entering their homes?

Finding of a 230kg Black Bear in a U.S. Home: Inside the Tale of the ‘Mysterious Tenant’ in the Basement

The Unbelievable Discovery in Connecticut

In a story that captivated the nation, a Connecticut family’s “mysterious tenant” turned out to be a 230kg (507 lbs) black bear. The incident, unfolding in October 2023 in Plymouth, Connecticut, highlighted the increasing instances of human-wildlife conflict and the surprising adaptability of black bears.Animal control officers were initially called to investigate strange noises emanating from the basement of the home. What they found was far beyond their expectations – a fully grown, albeit understandably confused, American black bear had taken up residence.

How Did the Bear Get Inside?

The bear’s entry point was traced back to a small, unlocked window in the basement. Experts believe the bear, likely a young adult male, was attracted by potential food sources. Bear attractants,such as bird feeders,unsecured garbage cans,and pet food left outdoors,are common culprits in these situations.

Here’s a breakdown of the likely sequence of events:

1. Attraction: The bear smelled potential food sources around the property.
2. Examination: It investigated the basement window, finding it accessible.
3. Entry: The bear squeezed through the window and found itself inside the basement.
4. Confinement: Once inside, the bear likely became disoriented and unable to find it’s way back out.

This case underscores the importance of bear-proofing your home, especially in areas with known bear populations.

The Rescue Operation: A Delicate Process

Removing a 230kg black bear from a residential basement is no small feat. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) wildlife division led the operation. The primary concern was the safety of both the bear and the homeowners.

Key steps in the rescue included:

* sedation: Wildlife officials carefully sedated the bear using a remote dart gun. This was crucial to prevent injury during removal.

* Extraction: Due to the bear’s size, removing it through the window wasn’t feasible. A section of the basement wall had to be carefully removed to create a larger opening.

* Relocation: Once sedated and extracted, the bear was transported to a more suitable habitat, a remote forested area away from human populations. DEEP officials monitored the bear post-release to ensure its well-being.

The entire process took several hours and required the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies. wildlife removal services are often necessary in these complex situations.

Understanding Black Bear behavior & Increasing Encounters

Black bear sightings are becoming increasingly common across the United states, notably in the Eastern and Western regions. This is due to a combination of factors:

* Habitat Loss: Development and deforestation are reducing bear habitat, forcing them to seek food sources closer to human settlements.

* Food Availability: Human-provided food sources, even unintentional ones, attract bears and encourage them to return.

* Population Growth: Black bear populations have been steadily increasing in many areas due to triumphant conservation efforts.

Bear behavior is largely driven by the search for food. While black bears are generally shy and avoid humans, they can become bolder when motivated by hunger. Understanding bear safety tips is vital for anyone living in or visiting bear contry.

Preventing Future Incidents: Bear-Proofing Your Home

Preventing a similar incident requires proactive measures. Here’s a checklist for bear-proofing your home:

* Secure Garbage: Use bear-resistant garbage cans or store garbage cans in a secure building.

* Remove Bird feeders: Bird feeders are a major attractant.Consider removing them, especially during bear activity season (spring and fall).

* Pet Food Storage: Store pet food indoors or in bear-resistant containers.

* Secure Outdoor Grills: clean grills thoroughly after each use and store them in a secure location.

* Window & Door Security: ensure all windows and doors are securely locked, especially basement windows. Consider installing bars or screens.

* Fruit Tree Management: pick up fallen fruit from fruit trees promptly.

Legal Considerations & Reporting Bear Sightings

In many states, it’s illegal to intentionally feed bears. Doing so can lead to fines and even the bear’s eventual removal. If you encounter a bear, it’s crucial to:

* maintain Distance: Never approach a bear.

* Make Noise: Make yourself known by talking loudly or making other noises.

* Report Sightings: Report bear sightings to your local wildlife agency. This helps them track bear activity and manage populations.

Reporting bear encounters is essential for public safety and wildlife management. Contact information for state wildlife agencies can be found on their respective websites.

Case Study: Similar Incidents Across the U.S.

While the Connecticut case garnered significant attention,