The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) confirmed on 8/1 that a bear, which had been residing in the crawl space of Ken Johnson's home in Altadena, Los Angeles County since late November 2025, had departed on its own.

Johnson stated that he discovered the bear, weighing approximately 250 kg, entering his home's crawl space around Thanksgiving after reviewing surveillance camera footage. As he did not own a dog, he attempted to deter the bear by playing recordings of barking dogs into the crawl space, but his efforts were unsuccessful.

The bear holding out in Johnson's crawl space in Los Angeles County, California. *Photo: CBS News*

For many days, Johnson could hear the bear digging and clawing beneath his floorboards, constantly worrying that the animal might break through the living room floor and emerge. He was compelled to contact the CDFW for assistance after his own attempts to remove the bear failed.

CDFW specialists attempted to trap the bear in mid-December 2025 but inadvertently captured a different bear.

According to local officials, this period is when bears seek warm, safe places to hibernate.

“This bear seemed to find such a place under Johnson's home,” said Cort Klopping, a CDFW official. “We want bears in the forest, not in people's homes.”

The bear mistakenly captured during CDFW's trapping operation in December 2025. *Photo: NBC News*

The reason for the bear's departure remains unclear. The CDFW affirmed its continued support but noted that after the bear left, the homeowner is responsible for reinforcing and securing the crawl space area.

Johnson had also expressed concerns about potential legal repercussions if he were to use forceful measures to remove a potentially protected species from his property.

Duc Trung (According to CBS News, CNN, AP)