Altadena Bear Trap Catches The Wrong Bear

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California’s latest wildlife management blunder highlights the ongoing struggle between human habitation and natural habitats, as a bear trap set for a massive 550-pound bear under an Altadena home captures the wrong animal. This incident underscores the complexities faced by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in dealing with increased human-wildlife conflicts, which are rising as urbanization continues to encroach on natural bear habitats in areas like the San Gabriel foothills. The unsuccessful trapping attempt leaves the original issue unresolved, prompting a need for more effective, non-lethal solutions.

Story Overview

A 550-pound bear has taken up residence under a home in Altadena, California, causing concern for the homeowner.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) set a trap to capture the bear, but caught a different one instead.
The trapped bear was not the targeted 550-pound bear and was released into a more suitable habitat.
Human-wildlife conflicts in California are rising as urbanization continues to encroach on natural bear habitats.

Trap Set for Giant Bear Captures Wrong Animal

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recently set a trap under a home in Altadena to capture a massive 550-pound bear living in the crawlspace. The bear had been residing there for over two weeks, creating a tense situation for the homeowner. However, when the trap was checked, it was found to have captured a different bear, not the intended target. The captured bear was subsequently released into a suitable habitat, leaving the original issue unresolved.

The incident underscores the complexities of wildlife management in urban areas, where human and animal habitats increasingly overlap. The unsuccessful trapping attempt has highlighted the need for more effective and humane solutions to manage the intersection of human and wildlife environments.

Calif. bear trap catches wrong beast as man endures 550-pound creature living under his house https://t.co/8f13WlHfUG pic.twitter.com/FwHuJ4toIS

— New York Post (@nypost) December 19, 2025

Managing Human and Wildlife Conflicts

Altadena, situated in the San Gabriel foothills near Los Angeles, is a prime example of the challenges posed by urban expansion into natural habitats. Bears, in search of food and shelter, are often drawn into suburban areas, leading to increased encounters with humans. The situation in Altadena is reminiscent of past incidents in places like Tahoe Keys, where bears have become habituated to human environments, sometimes resulting in multiple break-ins and other conflicts.

The CDFW and the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team have worked on educational programs to help communities coexist with wildlife, stressing the importance of breaking cycles of habituation among bear populations.

Looking Ahead: Addressing the Growing Issue

While the recent trapping effort in Altadena did not succeed in capturing the correct bear, it serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by wildlife management agencies. The CDFW continues to balance the safety of both humans and bears, advocating for relocation over more drastic measures like euthanasia. However, the situation remains tense, with the homeowner still having to deal with the presence of the massive bear under their property.

As urbanization continues to expand, it is imperative for communities to adopt proactive measures to prevent similar incidents. This includes securing food sources and maintaining clear boundaries between human habitation and wildlife.

Watch the report: Bear trap in Altadena catches the wrong bear