In a surprising turn of events, a Los Angeles man found a bear hiding beneath his house following a local wildfire.

According to Daily Mail, the resident discovered an unexpected house guest when a massive 525-pound bear took refuge in the crawl space beneath his Altadena home during the recent Eaton Fire.

Samy Arbid, 41, made the startling discovery after installing a Ring camera with a light beneath his house following the wildfire. The bear, known to locals as "Berry" or "Victor," is reportedly one of the largest bears wildlife officials have ever encountered in person.

Wildlife officials devise a creative solution to relocate bear

Southern California Gas crews initially refused to restore gas service to Arbid's home after discovering the enormous squatter beneath it.

The situation required wildlife officials to develop an innovative approach since the bear's exceptional size made traditional tranquilization methods unsafe.

Officials decided to lure the bear out using an elaborate feast purchased from Stater Brothers Supermarket. The menu included rotisserie chicken, sardines, tomato sauce, apples, peanut butter, and various other foods designed to entice the massive animal from its temporary shelter.

As recalled by Arbid:

We ended up putting a ring camera with a light on it under the crawlspace and found out we have a giant bear under there. It was nerve-wracking for a while. I think during the fire he pretty much stayed in there. I think he was scared.

Local community expresses affection for displaced wildlife

Residents in the area have developed a fondness for the bear, with many expressing relief upon learning it had survived the devastating Eaton Fire. The bear's presence in the community predates the wildfire, as it was known to frequent the neighboring Eaton Canyon.

Neighbor Patty Smith shared her perspective on the gentle giant's character, emphasizing its generally harmless nature. She explained that the bear typically seeks out discarded food and has never shown aggressive behavior toward residents.

The local response highlighted broader concerns about wildlife displacement due to the fires. Many community members worried about potential injuries the bear may have sustained while seeking refuge from the flames.

Successful relocation ensures bear safety and community peace

Wildlife officials successfully executed their creative plan to remove the bear from beneath Arbid's home. After enjoying the prepared feast, the animal was safely trapped and fitted with a GPS tracking collar.

The bear's new technological accessory will allow officials to monitor its movements and ensure it remains within appropriate areas. Officials chose Angeles National Forest as the ideal relocation site, providing the bear with a natural habitat away from residential areas.

This relocation effort represents a positive outcome for both the bear and the community, demonstrating effective wildlife management during natural disasters. The successful operation highlights the importance of careful planning and humane approaches when dealing with displaced wildlife.

Final outcome brings relief to Altadena residents

The discovery of a 525-pound bear beneath Samy Arbid's Altadena home occurred when he returned to inspect his property following the Eaton Fire. The situation required careful coordination between wildlife officials and local authorities to ensure both human and animal safety.

The bear, affectionately known to locals as "Berry" or "Victor," was successfully relocated to the Angeles National Forest after being lured out with an elaborate feast. Wildlife officials fitted the animal with a GPS collar to monitor its movements, marking a successful resolution to this unusual encounter between wildlife and suburban life.

Why This Story Matters

This incident underscores the unforeseen and often striking interactions between urban dwellings and wildlife. It reminds us of the resilience and adaptability of animals like 'Victor,' who find ways to survive even when their natural habitats are disrupted by human activity or natural disasters.

Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of preparedness and awareness in areas prone to wildfires, where the displacement of wildlife can pose additional challenges to recovery efforts. The community's positive and supportive reaction to the bear's rescue highlights the potential for coexistence and mutual respect between urban communities and the wildlife around them.

In conclusion, the surprising discovery of a bear under a home in the wake of the Eaton Fire presents a story of successful human-wildlife interaction, community collaboration, and the adaptability of nature. It serves as a reminder of the surprises that can lurk quite literally right beneath our feet and the importance of being prepared for any situation.