A bear that has been roaming a Burbank neighborhood for over a week is causing great concern for residents.
One viewer first sent in footage of the bear on April 19, telling KTLA that he had seen the bear for two nights in a row in his driveway on Elmwood Avenue.
Wanting to get the word out, the man sent in the footage so that his neighbors could be aware of its presence. In the video, the bear can be seen ambling across the driveway before stopping, sniffing and eventually knocking over a garbage can.
“It happened last night and two nights ago,” the man said on April 19. “I am sure the bear will show up [again].”
Another viewer sent in video footage of what looks to be the same bear behind her Elmwood Avenue home on Tuesday morning with the same aim to let neighbors know that it’s still there.
“The bear has been roaming around Elmwood Avenue for approximately a week and a half, raising growing concern among residents,” the viewer said. “The bear has been seen multiple times throughout the neighborhood and poses a safety risk, including the potential for property damage or break-ins.”
She also said that she and other area residents have contacted Burbank Animal Control, and a bear sighting alert has been issued for the area of the 1200 block of Elmwood Avenue. Another resident who spoke to KTLA on Tuesday morning said it was the first time he had seen a bear on his street.
“It’s a wild animal…imagine someone is walking their dog or is just walking and the bear attacks them,” the resident, identified only as Jack, told KTLA 5’s Carlos Herrera. “It’s very scary.”
A press release from Burbank officials indicates that they were made aware of the bear’s activity by April 21.
“Please be aware: as the weather gets warmer, wildlife becomes more active,” the Burbank Animal Shelter said on social media.
Wildlife sightings in Burbank can be reported by calling 818-238-3340, but if a bear is encountered or attacks a person, call 911 right away. More information on bears for those living in the Burbank area can be found here.
More resources surrounding human-bear interactions for residents is is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
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