Altadena resident Kenneth Johnson discovered a roughly 550‑pound bear living in the crawlspace beneath his home after months of property damage and security camera footage. Johnson is threatening to sue the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, alleging negligence and emotional distress after state removal efforts failed. CDFW says it has set baited traps, installed cameras and lights, attempted hazing, and repeatedly advised securing the crawlspace; in December crews mistakenly trapped a different bear and released it. The large bear remains at large while officials continue to advise the homeowner and stress safety precautions.
Altadena Homeowner Threatens Lawsuit After 550‑Pound Bear Lives in Crawlspace Beneath House
California Department of Fish and WildlifeThe bear the California Department of Fish and Wildlife captured instead of the animal living under Kenneth Johnson's house
An Altadena homeowner says he has had enough: Kenneth Johnson discovered a massive bear sheltering in the crawlspace beneath his home and is now threatening legal action against the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), alleging negligence and emotional distress.
What Happened
Johnson first noticed minor exterior damage over several months before mounting a security camera in November. The footage showed a very large bear near his home and, later that month, crawling into the backyard crawlspace beneath the house. Johnson estimates the animal weighs roughly 550 pounds and says its presence has made everyday tasks stressful and unsettling.
GettyStock photo of a black bear
State Response
"The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is committed to helping Californians across the state who are having unwelcome encounters with wildlife," the agency told PEOPLE, noting it has remained in contact with the homeowner despite limited staff.
CDFW says its biologists have set baited traps, installed cameras and lights for remote monitoring, and repeatedly attempted hazing to encourage the bear to leave. The agency also repeatedly advised that the homeowner secure the crawlspace whenever the bear is away — a measure CDFW calls "critically important" to prevent re-entry.
Capture Mistake and Current Status
In December, field crews captured a bear, but footage from Johnson and CDFW showed the trapped animal did not match the much larger bear filmed entering the crawlspace. The non‑target bear was released to a suitable habitat; the 550‑pound bear remains at large.
California Department of Fish and WildlifeThe bear the California Department of Fish and Wildlife captured instead of the animal living under Kenneth Johnson's house
CDFW noted that black bears are the only wild bear species native to California, even though the large animal has been described as having brownish fur. The agency says it will continue to advise the homeowner on hazing techniques and the importance of sealing the crawlspace while offering support to help the bear find more suitable habitat.
Homeowner Response
Johnson has voiced frustration with the pace and results of the removal efforts and told reporters, "If I kept track of everything I tried, it would be Bear 14, Homeowner 0." He says the situation has caused emotional distress and is considering legal action alleging negligence by CDFW.
Safety Notes
Authorities stress that homeowners should not attempt to confront or remove large wildlife themselves. Securing entry points, removing attractants (food, pet food, garbage), and following local wildlife agency guidance are key steps for reducing human‑wildlife conflict.
Help us improve.
