A large black bear, known as Yellow 2120, took up residence under a Los Angeles property for over a month, causing damage to the gas lines and structure. The homeowner, Ken Johnson, sought help from state wildlife officials without success, leading him to contact the BEAR League, a California-based organization specializing in coexisting with bears.
After failed attempts with air horns and paintball guns, a seasoned responder from the BEAR League managed to coax the 500-pound bear out from under the house. The group then installed an “unwelcome” mat that delivers an electric shock to deter the bear from returning. Despite causing significant damage to the property, Mr. Johnson is determined to restore his home to its previous state.
Previously resorting to various methods to scare off the bear, including noise-making devices and improvised alarms, Mr. Johnson expressed relief at the successful eviction. He acknowledged feeling defeated by the persistent bear presence but is now focused on repairing the damage and ensuring a bear-free environment for the future.
The bear has revisited the property once since being evicted, but Mr. Johnson remains vigilant to prevent any further encounters.