Particle.news

Tagged 500‑Pound Bear Returns to Altadena Homes

State wildlife biologists are monitoring the animal and say they will not remove it unless it shows aggressive behavior.

Overview

  • A black bear known as Yellow Tag 2120 has reappeared in Altadena and has been seen entering crawlspaces, ripping screens, and damaging a fence while moving through residential yards.
  • CDFW captured, tagged and relocated the same bear in 2025 after it broke into a home and ruptured a gas line, and biologists are now gathering data to confirm whether the recent sightings are the same animal.
  • Homeowners on Minoru Drive and nearby streets have boarded and sealed crawlspace access, used loud noises and a leaf blower to scare the bear off, and monitored its movements with security cameras.
  • Local volunteers previously chased the bear away with paint guns after it spent weeks under a house in late 2025, showing the community has used nonlethal deterrents alongside state response.
  • Residents and officials say habitat disruption from the Eaton Fire has increased wildlife visits, and CDFW warns the bear will only be removed if it becomes a clear public safety threat or causes major infrastructure damage.