Bear weighing over 500lbs found hiding under home evacuated in California's Eaton fire
Bear weighing over 500lbs found hiding under home evacuated in California's Eaton fire
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The bear was safely removed and released in the Angeles National Forest. After finding the furry friend, wildlife officials and the department’s environmental scientist Kevin Howells spent nearly 24 hours working to remove him from the premises. “After assessing the crawlspace and size of bear, it became clear that chemical immobilization of the bear was not an option,” the department noted. Howells and the team determined that a bear trap near the opening of the crawlspace would be the best course of action.
![[The bear is evaluated by a wildlife official. He was trapped using some yummy food]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/31/16/54/475307667_919049633736981_3681188599640817699_n.jpeg)
And, within minutes of placing the trap, he left the crawlspace and triggered the trap door. The massive mammal was safely transported to the nearby Angeles National Forest. He was released there after officials measured him and gave him a welfare check and a GPS collar. The Altadena home has since been bear-proofed and utilities have been restored. When a bear is in a crawlspace, the department says Californians should reach out so that a wildlife professional can evaluate the situation.
![[The adult male bear looks at a camera in this California Department of Fish and Wildlife photo. The bear was safely released in the Angeles National Forest]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/31/16/47/475390949_919049657070312_3450871009093323963_n.jpeg)
