URGENT UPDATE: A large bear has taken up residence in the crawlspace of a home in Altadena, California, leaving the homeowner in disbelief. Ken Johnson reported hearing a menacing growl from beneath his house, prompting an immediate investigation into the furry intruder’s activities.
Johnson had installed a security camera after noticing odd disturbances around his property. On November 28, 2025, he caught the bear on video, which revealed that the animal had not only entered the crawlspace but had also damaged the screen blocking its entrance. “When I saw it all torn up, I thought, ‘There’s no way a bear could fit,’” Johnson said, reflecting on his initial disbelief.
The situation escalated Monday night when Johnson witnessed the bear knocking over his trash cans. “The next morning, there he is crawling out from under the crawlspace,” he reported. Since that alarming discovery, the bear has been repeatedly spotted on camera, roaming back and forth from its new home.
On Friday, Johnson encountered the bear up close: “I went to change the batteries in my camera, and a huge growl erupted from under the crawlspace. I just went running,” he said. “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 feeling unsettled by their new roommate, leading Johnson to seek solutions.
Authorities have advised Johnson to stay indoors for safety, as he navigates the reality of having a wild bear just steps away. “It’s hilarious, but it’s also worrying me a little bit having something so big and ferocious living right there!” he added.
Wildlife experts suggest a combination of electric fencing, sturdy grates, and scent deterrents like ammonia to keep bears and other wild animals away from residential areas. The urgency of the situation highlights the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife interactions in suburban areas.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and take preventive measures as they coexist with wildlife. As the bear continues to make its presence known, the Altadena community is left wondering what the next steps will be for Johnson and his furry intruder.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
