In a surprising turn of events, a Southern California man discovered a 525-pound black bear residing under his home in Altadena after the recent Eaton Fire swept through the area. This unusual encounter unfolded when Samy Arbid returned home following an evacuation due to the devastating wildfires that scorched over 14,000 acres in Los Angeles County, making it one of the most destructive fires in California’s history.
Arbid, who had been warned about the presence of bears in the area, was not prepared for the shocking discovery. Initially, he and his wife heard strange noises emanating from beneath their house, which they assumed were from a small animal. However, their curiosity led them to investigate further, and a camera placed under the house revealed the unexpected sight of a large bear. “We thought it was probably an opossum or something,” Arbid said. “Sure enough, I put a camera under there, and we saw this huge bear.”
The bear, affectionately dubbed “Barry” by local residents, had taken refuge under the Arbid’s home, seemingly unfazed by the flames and smoke that surrounded it during the fire. Wildlife officials explained that bears often seek secure locations during stressful situations, and Barry found comfort in the crawl space of the house. “The smoke won’t deter them. If they find a place they feel secure, nothing will deter them,” Arbid noted.
As the couple faced challenges with their utilities and home repairs, they learned they could not restore power until the bear was safely removed. Local gas and oil company SoCalGas also refused to service the house while Barry remained beneath it. This situation prompted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to devise a plan for the bear’s safe extraction.
The removal process required creativity and careful planning, as the CDFW team faced challenges due to the bear’s size. Using traditional methods like anesthesia for tranquilization was deemed unfeasible. Instead, the wildlife team utilized a rotisserie chicken as bait to coax Barry out from his hiding spot. After nearly 24 hours of effort, the team successfully lured the bear out, securing him in a bear trap to facilitate his relocation.
After his successful removal, Barry was taken to Angeles National Forest, where he underwent a welfare check and received a GPS collar for monitoring. This relocation not only ensured the bear’s safety but also allowed him to return to a more natural habitat away from populated areas.
Arbid expressed relief and gratitude to the wildlife officials for their efforts in safely managing the situation. He remarked on the shock and surprise that the entire neighborhood experienced upon learning that Barry had been living beneath their home. While the encounter was unusual, it served as a reminder of the close interactions between humans and wildlife, particularly in areas affected by wildfires.
In conclusion, Barry the bear’s unexpected residence under an Altadena home following the Eaton Fire highlights the resilience of wildlife in the face of natural disasters. As communities continue to grapple with the effects of wildfires, stories like these emphasize the importance of coexistence with nature and the need for effective wildlife management strategies. The successful relocation of Barry not only ensured his safety but also reinforced the vital role of wildlife officials in preserving both human and animal lives during challenging times.
