'Boom, he's out': bear living 'rent-free' under California home has been removed

[cbabe]

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/09/bear-under-california-home-evicted

‘Boom, he’s out’: bear living ‘rent-free’ under California home has been removed.

The 550lb black bear was drawn out with paintball guns after it had resided under the home for more than a month

Abené Clayton
Fri 9 Jan 2026 16.31 EST

Getting rid of an unwanted houseguest can be difficult, but seldom does it involve a paintball gun and an electrified mat. A 550lb black bear that took residence under a southern California home for more than a month has finally been removed, KTLA has reported.

Altadena resident Ken Johnson first noticed the bear was living in the crawl space below his home in late November.

…

Johnson contacted California’s department of fish and wildlife (DFW) about the bear and the agency attempted to trap it to no avail. Instead, they snagged a smaller bear, leaving the 550lb one to remain. After more than a month of the bear’s occupation, Johnson threatened to sue the DFW for negligence and emotional distress, according to KTLA.

“If I kept track of everything I tried, it would be Bear: 14, Homeowner: 0,” Johnson told the news outlet.

… more … Altadena fire refugee …

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Hope they find him a good home.

[calimary]

2. Me too!

[2naSalit]

3. Sad reality...

Is that the bear may end up being euthanized if he can't be 'placed'. Black bears are common and rarely relocated or placed in a zoo or sanctuary. If it was a griz, they'd have to due to ESA requirements. He already has an ear tag, I call them earrings, the more jewelry they get the less chance there is of them being let go somewhere in the wild.