A homeowner in Altadena, California, recently found relief from an unusual houseguest—a black bear that had taken residence beneath his property. However, it appears that the bear may have simply relocated to a neighboring home.
In December 2025, Kenneth Johnson gained viral attention after disclosing that a hefty 550-pound black bear had been making itself comfortable in the crawlspace of his home since Thanksgiving. This startling situation prompted both Johnson and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to attempt various removal strategies over several weeks, employing tools such as air horns, pungent scents, and even paintball guns.
Despite these efforts, CDFW ultimately ceased its intervention after repeated attempts failed, leaving Johnson frustrated and threatening legal action for negligence and emotional distress. In January 2026, bear rescue organization BEAR League stepped in and successfully evicted the bear from Johnson’s crawlspace in mere minutes. The eviction was celebrated, but Johnson noted significant damage had already been inflicted on a gas line due to the bear’s stay.
Relocation News: A Bear’s New Nest
As reported by KTLA on January 13, shortly after Johnson’s saga ended, another black bear was discovered residing beneath a different home in Altadena, situated less than half a mile from Johnson’s property. This time, the bear had made itself comfortable for around four to five days before the new homeowner alerted the authorities.
In response to the situation, KTLA reached out to the CDFW, which assured the homeowner that they were investigating the matter.
Understanding the California Black Bear
The California Black Bear is the only native bear species in the state, recognized for its omnivorous diet and adaptability to various food sources. Unlike their more aggressive relatives, Grizzly Bears, black bears tend to exhibit non-confrontational behavior. However, as demonstrated in Kenneth Johnson’s case, they can inadvertently cause significant damage to properties.
The increasing frequency of bear encounters in residential areas can be attributed to ongoing land development—a phenomenon that steadily displaces these animals from their natural habitats, forcing them to venture into urban settings in search of food and shelter.
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