Bears and Cubs Spotted in Encino Neighborhood, Drawing Curious Crowds

Bear Sighting in Encino

• 🐻 Multiple bears, including a large one with three cubs, were spotted in an Encino neighborhood, causing a stir among residents.
• 💡 The sightings began early in the morning, with some residents reporting hearing unusual animal sounds the previous night.
• 📍 The bears were seen roaming the backyard of a home on the 16,000 block of Ashley Oaks, turning the area into an impromptu wildlife watch party.

Resident Reactions and Observations

• 🤩 Neighbors gathered to catch a glimpse of the bears, with some expressing excitement and a desire to see them up close.
• ❓ Concerns were raised about the bears' safety and well-being, as well as the potential for home invasions, with one resident humorously noting the increased police presence for bears compared to other incidents.
• 🗣️ Many residents expressed a sentiment of coexistence, acknowledging that the area is near the mountains and that the bears are in their natural habitat.

Wildlife Officials' Response

• 🤷 Wildlife officials were not present on the scene, as they have observed similar behavior before.
• 🌲 Their expectation is that the bears will roam for a short period and then naturally return to their habitat on their own.
• 🚶 The bears were eventually seen on the move, leaving the backyard they had been occupying.