Animal
In the aftermath of the Eaton fire, a black bear has taken an unexpected liking to a Pasadena home, making itself right at home in the crawl space beneath the house. The bear, estimated to weigh between 500 and 600 pounds, has been enjoying the pool and dining on trash from neighboring cans, much to the frustration of homeowner Sean Lorenzini.
"I think it found refuge under the house during the fire," Lorenzini explained, "and it’s definitely not moving — that’s its home." The bear's presence has left its mark on the neighborhood, with claw marks on trash bins and torn insulation from under the house. It is also suspected of breaking fuses and attacking a neighbor's pet goat.
This is not the first time a bear has sought refuge in a local home following the Eaton fire. In late January, a 525-pound bear was rescued from underneath an evacuated Altadena home. The operation involved using peanut butter and rotisserie chicken to lure the bear into a trap, after which it was relocated to Angeles National Forest with a GPS tracking collar.
Lorenzini is now seeking similar assistance from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to relocate his unwanted guest. "I feel really sorry for this bear. I know we’re encroaching on their territory, so I’m sympathetic to that," he said. "But at the same time, I’ve got a property to protect and I’m exposed if anyone gets hurt. This is a wild animal."
The Department of Fish and Wildlife has advised Lorenzini to seal the crawl space once the bear is removed, as it will likely try to return. This advice highlights the broader issue of bears becoming habituated to residential areas, especially after wildfires destroy their natural habitats.
Bobbi Brink, director of the Lions Tigers & Bears animal sanctuary, noted that when wildfires force bears out of their homes, they often wander into new areas in search of food and shelter, sometimes bringing them closer to human settlements. "When bears are fleeing wildfires, they face multiple perils — burned paws and faces, smoke inhalation, and the risk of being struck by a vehicle while crossing a smoke-filled highway," she explained.
The Eaton fire, combined with the Bridge fire in September, has burned about 17% of the 700,000-acre Angeles National Forest, exacerbating the displacement of wildlife. This displacement is not unique to the current situation; similar patterns were observed after the 2018 Woolsey fire and the 2021 Caldor fire, where bears were hit by vehicles while fleeing their burned habitats.
Experts emphasize the importance of preventing bears from becoming comfortable in residential areas. Becca Carniello, Western regional representative for BearWise, advises residents to seal crawl spaces, remove bird feeders, keep pet food indoors, use bear-resistant trash cans, and clean outdoor grills to deter bears.
As Lorenzini waits for the wildlife agency to relocate the bear, he remains concerned about the safety of his property and the community. The situation underscores the ongoing challenge of coexisting with wildlife in areas where human and bear habitats overlap.
Source:
Clara Harter, The Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-02-19/bear-moves-into-pasadena-home-crawl-space-after-eaton-fire
Image Credit: Sean Lorenzini