A bear was caught on camera during an audacious home break-in in Monrovia. Despite a spirited attempt by a small dog to assert dominance, the bear continued its leisurely tour of the premises. In footage obtained by NBC Los Angeles, the bear can be seen sniffing around the house on Valley View Avenue. The animal, sporting a tracking collar, seemed unfazed by its surroundings or the pup's barks. This wasn't the bear's first offence; locals say it had previously helped itself to pizza and ice cream from a neighbor's kitchen.
Adding to the intruder's list of antics, it appears lounging by the pool is also on its after-hours itinerary. "It not only went in to our neighbor right next door, but into the neighbor’s house two doors down; into their kitchen," Lilly Martinez, a resident, told NBC Los Angeles. Meanwhile, another family's elder dog named Doodle faced off with the confident creature, but to no avail, despite owner Zoe Cadman's screams as reported by CBS News.
Neighbors attempted to dissuade the bear with loud noises, but their efforts yielded little success. According to CBS News, residents tried banging pots and pans to no effect. The unwelcome guest was only driven away after responding to ammonia-soaked rags. Following the bear's protracted visit, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife is urging locals to lock up and safeguard their snacks to avoid furry intruders.
Amidst an uptick in bear sightings following the Eaton Fire, Monrovia residents are being reminded to take caution. "Our first step... if this is a bear that keeps returning to the area, we can take steps to remove the bear," stated Stephen Gonzalez, a CDFW spokesperson, in an interview with CBS News. Local wildlife officials are poised to relocate any particularly troublesome bears, aiming to minimize man-animal confrontations as these displaced creatures adjust to life after the wildfire devastation.
