In the aftermath of the devastating Eaton Fire in Los Angeles, Samy Arbid made a startling discovery underneath his house. After noticing unusual sounds and installing a security camera, Arbid found a 525-pound bear taking refuge in his crawlspace.
According to the Daily Mail, This fortuitous encounter with nature was triggered when the bear, fleeing the nearby wildfire, found a makeshift sanctuary under Arbid’s Altadena home.
The bear, affectionately known locally as 'Berry' or 'Victor,' appeared to have sought safety during the chaotic fire. Arbid, a 41-year-old resident, felt both amazed and concerned when he discovered the massive animal living just below his living space.
Faced with the challenge of safely removing such a large bear, wildlife officials opted against tranquilization due to the animal’s size. Instead, they devised a unique approach involving a variety of enticing foods.
Officials went to Stater Brothers Supermarket and gathered a feast that included rotisserie chicken, sardines, tomato sauce, apples, and peanut butter. The wildlife team used this gourmet mix to lure the bear out of its hideout.
Arbid recounted the efforts, noting, “They made a feast for him,” which successfully coaxed the bear out without the need for sedatives. The use of food not only ensured the bear's safe capture but also prevented any stress or harm that might have come from other methods.
Once the bear was out in the open, wildlife teams safely trapped it and equipped it with a GPS collar for monitoring. They relocated it to Angeles National Forest to return it to a more suitable and safe habitat than Arbid's crawlspace.
Arbid shared, “The biologist said it was the biggest bear he’s ever seen in person,” highlighting how unusual this encounter was for both him and the wildlife team.
Southern California Gas crews responded to restore service during the bear’s stay under the house but refused to proceed until the wildlife team removed the bear, emphasizing the urgency and safety concerns of the situation.
Neighbors also took notice of the bear's presence, with one resident, Patty Smith, describing it as "pretty harmless." She reflected on the bear's likely struggle during the fire, pondering whether it had suffered any injuries like singed paws.
Smith’s concern extended beyond just the bear's well-being, touching upon the broader impact of wildfires on local wildlife. The community's empathy for the displaced and possibly injured animals was palpable.
Arbid, reflecting on the experience, felt a mix of relief and empathy, concluding that the bear was simply a scared animal seeking refuge. “I think during the fire, he pretty much stayed in there. I think he was scared,” Arbid explained, offering insight into the bear’s possible reasons for not leaving the crawlspace sooner.
The successful relocation of the bear by wildlife officials not only resolved a potentially dangerous situation but also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by wildlife as urban areas encroach on natural habitats. The use of non-invasive techniques in this case sets a precedent for future wildlife management, especially in scenarios involving large animals displaced by natural disasters.
The community's involvement and interest in the well-being of local wildlife demonstrate a collective commitment to living harmoniously with nature, even when it shows up unexpectedly in one’s basement.
As for Arbid, the encounter has left him with a profound respect for the wildlife that shares his community and a memorable story about the unexpected side effects of living so close to nature’s boundaries.