Shadow Hills got an unexpected visitor Saturday evening when a black bear wandered into the neighborhood, cutting through backyards and even climbing a tree as residents watched from a distance. The animal was spotted in the 9700 block of Wheatland Avenue and, according to local reports, it did not cause any injuries or property damage.
A resident told CBS News Los Angeles that the bear scrambled up a tree at around 4:45 p.m. By about 5:32 p.m., aerial images showed the animal darting between yards, and by roughly 5:40 p.m. those same images appeared to capture law enforcement in the area. CBS News Los Angeles reported that no one was hurt and no property damage was reported.
How to report a sighting and stay safe
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) asks residents to give wild animals plenty of space and to report non-emergency encounters through its Wildlife Incident Reporting portal, which routes details to regional investigators.
As ABC News noted, CDFW has warned that "Bears have an extremely powerful sense of smell" and urges people to secure trash and remove outdoor food attractants that might lure wildlife into residential areas.
Why bears are turning up in neighborhoods
Experts say ongoing development and habitat disruption, particularly after fires, have pushed bears closer to neighborhoods as they search for food and shelter. In March, the Los Angeles Times reported that state wildlife officials euthanized a bear in Monrovia after linking it to multiple human-injury incidents, a decision that sparked debate over how to balance public safety with wildlife protection.
Shadow Hills' wooded lots already make it appealing to transient wildlife, and nearby communities have issued advisories when bears show up, including a recent bear sighting that shook up Rockville Hills. Residents who encounter a bear are urged to keep their distance, secure garbage and pet food, and report sightings to CDFW or local law enforcement if the animal behaves aggressively.
