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In a tale that could easily belong in the annals of bizarre wildlife encounters, Ken Johnson, a Californian resident, found himself sharing his home with a rather unwelcome guest—a black bear. The events unfolded last November when, after an evening out with friends, a notification from his security camera revealed the bear rummaging through his bins. What began as a fleeting curiosity quickly spiralled into a comical yet unnerving saga of cohabitation with a creature that most would rather keep at a distance.
The Unexpected Visitor
After returning home from a social evening in Los Angeles, Ken checked his phone and was startled to see footage of a bear poking around his rubbish. While local wildlife like raccoons and skunks are common sights, a bear was a first for him. Initially, he assumed the bear had moved on, but the next day, his cameras revealed a startling scene: the bear, a massive creature, emerging from a small opening beneath his house.
In disbelief, Ken replayed the footage. With each viewing, the reality of the situation sank in deeper, and his anxiety began to mount. “I showed the clips to friends, and while they laughed, they urged me to do something,” he recalled.
Life with a Bear
As days passed, Ken found himself in a peculiar dilemma. On one hand, he maintained his daily routine, making coffee and caring for his cat, Boo. On the other, he was constantly monitoring his cameras, wondering what the bear was up to below him. “It felt like I was living above a tenant who had no intention of moving out,” he quipped. Boo, sensing the disruption, would dart away in fright whenever strange noises erupted from beneath the floorboards.
Despite attempting various methods to encourage the bear to leave—playing loud music, stomping around, even creating a ruckus akin to a “bad neighbour fratboy”—nothing seemed to deter the persistent creature. It only seemed to grow more comfortable, leading Ken to spend sleepless nights wondering about the bear’s next move.
A Wild Solution
The situation escalated when the California Department of Fish and Wildlife became involved, setting up a bear trap equipped with a scent trail of sardines and cherries. When this failed to entice the bear, they switched tactics to a butterscotch lure—an aroma that became a haunting reminder of the bear’s presence beneath his home. “Every time I opened a window, my stomach turned,” Ken admitted.
Eventually, the media caught wind of the unusual saga, and the local neighbourhood buzzed with excitement, with residents sharing their own bear stories. The bear, affectionately dubbed “Unbearable” and “Volkswagen” due to its size, became something of a local celebrity.
In a dramatic turn of events, a team from Bear League managed to coax the bear out from its hiding spot with paintball guns filled with vegetable oil pellets, a tactic that proved successful without causing harm.
The Aftermath
Now that the bear has vacated the premises, Ken experiences a wave of conflicting emotions. “I feel sorry for him, but the damage to my house is significant,” he noted. The bear had created two substantial craters beneath his home, leaving a haze of dust around the vents. To prevent a return visit, Ken has secured the entrance with an electrified mat.
Reflecting on the experience, he mused, “He had a great setup for a while, but he overstayed his welcome. If I win the lottery, I might consider building him a bear cave in the yard, but for now, he’s officially evicted.”
Why it Matters
Ken Johnson’s extraordinary encounter with a bear highlights the growing intersection between urban life and wildlife. As cities expand into natural habitats, such incidents may become increasingly common, prompting important discussions about coexistence and wildlife management. Ken’s story serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human habitation and the natural world, urging us to consider how we can adapt and respond to wildlife encroachments in our lives.
