Sunday evening in Altadena, a normally quiet foothills block turned into a front-row wildlife show when a black bear casually climbed into a backyard tree and settled in. Neighbors stepped out to watch as the bear perched in the branches for several minutes, phones out and cameras rolling from driveways and lawns. The visit is the latest sign of stepped-up wildlife activity along the San Gabriel foothills since last winter's fires.
Neighbors Turned Backyard Sighting Into Viral-Worthy Clip
Video of the encounter quickly made its way to local TV. As reported by NBC Los Angeles, the clip shows the bear looking almost relaxed on a sturdy limb while neighbors kept a careful distance on the ground. The station's footage captured multiple onlookers filming the scene before the animal eventually left the property.
Another Chapter in Altadena's Ongoing Bear Season
Wildlife officials and residents say Altadena's proximity to the Angeles National Forest makes bear traffic part of the local experience, and this winter has brought several particularly memorable encounters. In one widely watched episode, a 500-plus-pound bear spent weeks living under a home before volunteers finally helped evict it. A month-long bear eviction saga captured how that standoff unfolded.
County Says Give Bears Space, Lock Up the Snacks
County guidance sticks to the basics: give bears plenty of room, secure trash, and remove bird feeders so hungry animals are not tempted to linger. The local "Bear Alert" advisory from Los Angeles County Public Works lays out specific steps for keeping yards less appealing to large furry visitors.
If a bear acts aggressive or causes damage, residents are urged to call local deputies or file a report through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's online Wildlife Incident Reporting system, accessible via California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which routes cases to authorized investigators.
Hoping the Visitor Heads Back to the Hills
Neighbors who recorded the tree-top cameo told reporters they were simply hoping the bear would wander back into the nearby hills without any conflict. Several said they plan to be more disciplined about securing trash cans and pet food so future visitors have less reason to stick around. For non-emergency wildlife concerns in Altadena, the Altadena Sheriff's Station maintains a public information page with contacts and updates.
