Altadena residents near the foothills have been living with an unexpected neighbor – a large, tagged black bear weighing roughly 550 pounds. The animal, known to wildlife officials as “Yellow 2120,” was first seen in the neighborhood last week and returned this week, prompting concern among homeowners.

Bear enters homes and crawlspaces

On Minoru Drive, the bear managed to climb into a crawlspace beneath a house. Steve Clark, whose in‑laws occupy the home, said the family monitored the bear’s movements with security cameras. In an attempt to drive the animal away, they played loud music and banged on the floor above the crawlspace, but the bear remained undeterred.

Clark’s wife also tried using a leaf blower outside the house, hoping the noise would scare the bear. “She’s wearing flip‑flops and Bermuda shorts and ill‑equipped to deal with a huge bear,” Clark remarked, noting the difficulty of confronting a creature of that size.

Residents’ response and safety measures

When the bear finally left on its own, a handyman was called in to seal all potential entry points under the home. The repairs appear to have prevented further access, but wildlife officials warn that the bear is still roaming the neighborhood in search of food and shelter.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed that biologists are gathering additional information on the animal. They are working to determine whether the bear is the same individual that was previously reported under a different neighbor’s home.

What to do if you encounter the bear

Authorities advise residents to keep pets indoors, secure garbage cans, and avoid leaving food outdoors. If a bear is sighted, callers should contact local animal control or the department’s wildlife hotline rather than attempting to confront the animal themselves.

Altadena’s community has a long history of coexisting with wildlife, and officials stress that bears are generally shy and avoid human contact when food sources are not readily available. Nonetheless, the presence of a large bear in residential areas underscores the importance of vigilance and proper food storage.

Looking ahead

Wildlife experts continue to monitor “Yellow 2120” and will update residents if the bear’s movements change. In the meantime, homeowners are encouraged to remain alert, maintain secure property perimeters, and report any further sightings promptly.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.