UPDATE: A large bear has taken up residence in a crawlspace of a home in Altadena, leaving the homeowner, Ken Johnson, in shock. This startling situation unfolded when Johnson captured a video of the bear on his security camera shortly before November 28, 2025, as it rummaged through his trash and made itself at home.
Johnson, who had previously spotted the bear in the neighborhood every few months, was initially skeptical about its presence under his house. “When I saw it all torn up, I thought, ‘He must not be under there,’” he said. However, after seeing the bear emerge from the crawlspace one morning, his disbelief turned to concern.
The furry intruder has since been a regular visitor, with Johnson reporting sightings on his camera every day. “Monday night, my camera went off and there he was coming up the driveway, knocking over the trash,” he described. “And the next morning, there he is crawling out from under the crawlspace.”
The situation escalated when Johnson encountered the bear face-to-face while checking his camera. “A huge growl came from under the crawlspace and I just went running,” he recalled, calling the sound the “most amazing roar you’ve ever heard. Like a lion with a hiss on top of it.”
Both Johnson and his cat, Boo, are now living in fear due to their new, unwelcome roommate. Johnson has been advised by local authorities that as long as he stays inside, he is safe. “It’s kind of weird,” he said, reflecting on the bizarre circumstances. “It is hilarious, but it’s also worrying me a little bit having something so big and ferocious living right there!”
Wildlife experts have weighed in on the situation, recommending measures such as electric fencing, sturdy grates, and scent deterrents like ammonia to prevent wildlife from invading homes.
This unusual bear sighting has garnered attention from local media, with NBC4 News covering the story extensively. As the bear continues to make its rounds, residents in Altadena are urged to be cautious and take preventative steps to keep wildlife at bay.
This developing story highlights the ongoing interactions between urban living and wildlife, reminding homeowners of the need for vigilance in their neighborhoods. Stay tuned for further updates as this wild situation unfolds.
