On Monday, a live report by KTLA’s Erin Myers captured a bear nabbing a meal out of a trash can in Altadena.
That bruin, however, isn’t alone in making itself at home in post-Eaton Fire Altadena.
A black bear locals call “Rufus” and her two cubs have been spotted multiple times in Altadena, especially on trash days, as the mother bear has learned the schedule for pickup.
She’s also taken meals from koi ponds and taken dips in pools, neighbors said.
In response, humans have become concerned a more violent encounter could be possible.
“It’s a big concern, because these are large properties,” resident John Haines told KTLA’s Kareen Wynter. “I work in the garden and my nightmare is I turn around and mama bear is standing right there. I’ve encountered her a few times, and, from a distance, I can kind of scream and yell and make some noise and she’ll turn around. But I’m concerned, really, if the cubs are with her, it might be a different story.”
Another neighbor, Danita Terzain, said motorists stopping to look at bears have also caused traffic issues.
Residents have suggested that bear-proof trash cans could encourage the bears, which were likely displaced by the Eaton Fire, to seek food and shelter elsewhere.
KTLA reached out to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the L.A. County Board of Supervisors for comment. This story will be updated when responses are received.
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