A large black bear, known as Yellow 2120 to researchers, took up residence beneath a $1.5 million property in Los Angeles for over a month. The bear, weighing over 500 pounds, caused damage to the property by twisting gas lines, toppling bricks, and tearing away screening to access the crawl space. After unsuccessful attempts by state wildlife officials using air horns and paintball guns, the homeowner sought assistance from the BEAR League, a California-based non-profit specializing in coexisting with bears.
The BEAR League successfully evicted the bear by coaxing it out from under the house. They placed an “unwelcome” mat with an electric shock feature at the opening, prompting the bear to leave. Despite causing significant damage to the property, the homeowner, Ken Johnson, expressed relief at the bear’s removal and his plans to repair the damages.
Previously, Johnson had tried various methods to deter the bear, including improvised burglar alarms and noise-making devices, with little success. Feeling defeated by the bear’s persistence, Johnson described the experience as unsettling and challenging. The bear returned to the property once after the eviction before moving on.
Johnson’s encounter with the bear highlights the challenges of living near wildlife and the importance of seeking professional assistance in managing such situations.