Man living with giant bear under his home threatens to sue officials – ‘They should deal with it’
“Unbearable” is seen making his way out of the crawlspace under Ken Johnson’s home. Ken J. Johnson
It’s turning into a “beary” tense standoff in Southern California.
A homeowner in Altadena says he has reached his breaking point after a 550-pound black bear took up residence beneath his house, prompting him to threaten legal action against the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The man claims the agency abandoned efforts to remove the animal, leaving him to deal with the problem alone.
CDFW strongly disputes that claim.
Ken Johnson says the bear has been living in the crawlspace under his home since November 30, causing extensive damage and weeks of sleepless nights. Frustrated and exhausted, Johnson says he is considering a lawsuit after being told the department would no longer attempt to remove the bear, according to KTLA.
“This has gone on long enough,” Johnson told the station. “It’s a tagged bear. They’ve dealt with it before. They chose not to euthanize it, and now it’s back and it’s just going to keep happening.”
CDFW officials tell a very different story. A spokesperson said wildlife biologists have remained in regular contact with Johnson since the bear was first reported and denied that the department ever stopped assisting him.
“Despite very limited staff, CDFW biologists have been in constant communication with this homeowner since the bear entered his unsecured crawlspace in November,” the spokesperson said. “We remain committed to helping this homeowner.”
When contacted, Johnson declined further comment, saying he wanted legal representation before speaking again.
Wildlife officials responded soon after the bear first appeared, using scent sprays designed to lure it out. When that failed, they deployed a large metal trap baited with fried chicken, sardines, shrimp, peanut butter, and fruit. The trap ended up catching a different bear that had also been roaming the neighborhood.
Footage from Christmas morning shows the original bear briefly emerging from beneath the home, circling the property, and then retreating back into the crawlspace.
Johnson says it was shortly after that incident that he was told removal efforts would stop.
“I felt completely defeated,” he said. “Am I supposed to watch my phone all night or sleep in the kitchen listening for him?”
The bear continues to disturb Johnson daily, often waking him around 5 a.m. He says the animal has caused serious damage to his home, including harm to gas lines that forced him to shut off service on Christmas Eve.
“I can’t take a hot shower. I have to monitor the situation all the time,” Johnson said.
CDFW maintains that it is still working to help resolve the situation.
“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is committed to assisting Californians who experience stressful and complicated wildlife encounters,” the agency said, emphasizing its focus on public safety and coexistence with wildlife.
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