California Couple Finds 525-Pound Bear Sheltering Beneath Home After Wildfires

The bear, nicknamed 'Barry,' sought refuge under the house during the Eaton Fire and was safely relocated by wildlife officials.

A couple in Altadena, California, discovered a massive black bear under their home after returning from an evacuation due to the Eaton Fire.
The bear, weighing 525 pounds and known locally as 'Barry,' had likely taken shelter under the house to escape the January wildfires that burned 5,600 hectares.
Wildlife officials observed the bear's behavior using cameras before orchestrating a 24-hour operation to safely remove it.
The bear was lured out with a roasted chicken, underwent a medical check-up, and was fitted with a GPS collar before being released into a nearby forest.
Neighbors confirmed Barry was a familiar presence in the area, often spotted before the wildfires forced residents to evacuate.