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California Homeowner Threatens to Sue Wildlife Agency as 550-Pound Bear Keeps Den Under His House

State officials say they remain on the case using traps, cameras and hazing and urging the crawlspace be sealed.

Overview

  • Kenneth Johnson of Altadena says a massive black bear has occupied his home's crawlspace since late November, with surveillance showing repeated damage.
  • Johnson plans legal action alleging negligence and emotional distress, and he shut off his gas on Christmas Eve after a broken pipe left him without hot water.
  • The California Department of Fish and Wildlife disputes that it has stepped back, citing constant communication, limited staffing, and ongoing efforts to assist.
  • Earlier trapping efforts caught a different, smaller bear that was released, while officials identify the target animal as tagged bear Yellow 2120 previously relocated about 10 miles away.
  • Officials advise sealing the crawlspace and continuing hazing, as Johnson has tried alarms and loud audio while the bear remains on the property.