Officials are trying a new approach to coax a 550-pound bear out from beneath a California home.
The brown bear has been sheltering under Altadena resident Ken Johnson’s house for over a week in what Johnson has jokingly called a “bear-y” serious situation.
Johnson initially tried to lure the massive animal out with jelly rolls and other sweet treats, but his efforts were unsuccessful. Now, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has stepped in, using a sweet-scented spray to entice the bear.
“This is a chemical compound that is highly concentrated and has a very potent smell of caramel and cherries, aimed at coaxing the bear out from where it is right now,” CDFW spokesman Cort Klopping told The Post.
“Caramel and cherries are highly attractive to bears,” Klopping added. Remote cameras have been set up around Johnson’s property to monitor the bear and determine when it might emerge.
Officials plan to board up the crawl space entrance once the bear leaves. “The bear has not come out yet,” Klopping said, noting that the animal seems spooked by the activity and has been growling. “I had to ask multiple media outlets not to fly helicopters near the area. This bear needs quiet to exit safely.”
If the bear remains, Johnson could have a 550-pound roommate for the colder months. “He just wants to live here,” Johnson said.
Authorities have advised the public to stay clear of the area while the operation continues.