A hefty black bear gave Encino residents a nerve-jangling wake-up call this week, strolling through manicured yards near upscale homes while neighbors filmed from behind windows and security cameras. The animal clambered over hedges, knocked over trash cans, and padded along residential streets close to the 405 and 101 freeways. As of Wednesday morning there were no reports of injuries, and officials had not publicly confirmed where the bear went next.
Where It Was Seen
The bear was first reported near the 3900 block of Sepulveda Boulevard and later on the 15700 block of Royal Oak Road, where witnesses said it jumped a hedge and tipped over cans while rummaging for food, according to KTLA. Video shared with news crews showed the animal on Archdale Road and moving past parked cars in neighborhoods around the 405-101 interchange. Neighbors said police were notified, but the footage did not show officers immediately responding.
Neighbors React
For locals used to the usual cast of suburban wildlife, the sighting was a shock.
"It's absolutely crazy - I've lived here for 30 years and I've never heard such a thing … coyotes, yes, bears, no," resident Norbert Baroukh told KTLA. Other neighbors described a mix of excitement and unease as the bear sniffed at fences and rooted through garbage in broad daylight.
Not The First Sighting This Spring
The Encino incident is part of a string of bear encounters across the San Fernando Valley this spring. In early May, crews tranquilized and collared a bear near Hansen Dam, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Wildlife officers have said bears sometimes move down from nearby mountains in search of food, and unsecured trash or pet food can draw them into neighborhoods.
How To Stay Safe
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife advises residents not to approach bears, to give them plenty of space and a clear escape route, and to secure garbage, pet food, and other attractants to discourage return visits. In cases of immediate danger, officials urge people to call 9-1-1 and to report sightings through CDFW's Wildlife Incident Reporting system so wildlife officers can follow up.
What Officials Are Doing
As of the latest reports, officials had not said whether the Encino bear had been captured or tranquilized. There were still no confirmed injuries. Neighbors told reporters they plan to lock down trash, keep an eye on their security cameras and wait while wildlife agencies continue to monitor the situation.
