Archive · 30 Dec 2025
550-pound bear under California home sparks legal dispute
A big black bear weighing 550 pounds has been living under a man's house in California for about a month.
The man, Ken Johnson, is upset because he says the government agency that deals with wildlife hasn't done enough to remove the bear.
The bear has been causing damage to his house.
The agency, called the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, says they are still trying to help and have been in touch with Johnson.
They tried to lure the bear out with different foods, but the bear didn't leave.
Johnson is thinking about suing the agency because he feels they should have done more to remove the bear.
A 550-pound black bear has been living under Ken Johnson's home in Altadena, California since November 30.
Johnson alleges the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has stopped efforts to remove the bear.
CDFW claims they are still working to remove the bear and have been in constant communication with Johnson.
The bear left the crawlspace briefly on Christmas but returned, prompting Johnson to feel defeated.
Johnson is considering legal action against CDFW for their handling of the situation.
- Who
- Ken Johnson (homeowner) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
- What
- A 550-pound black bear living under Ken Johnson's home for a month, causing legal dispute
- When
- Since November 30, with the bear leaving briefly on Christmas
- Where
- Altadena, California
- Why
- Dispute over CDFW's efforts to remove the bear and Johnson's threat to sue
- Bear Weight
- 550 pounds
- Location
- Altadena, California
- Duration
- Since November 30
- Bait Used
- Cherry and caramel spray, fried chicken, sardines, shrimp, peanut butter, fruit
- Bear's Action
- Returned to crawlspace after leaving briefly on Christmas
- Homeowner's Claim
- CDFW stopped removal efforts
- CDFW's Response
- Denies stopping efforts, claims constant communication