Homeowner Considers Suing State Over Persistent Bear in Altadena Crawl Space

Persistent Bear Problem

• 🐻 A homeowner in Altadena has been dealing with a bear living in their crawl space for over a month, leading to significant frustration.
• 🏠 The bear has been present since around Thanksgiving, causing damage, including breaking a strap holding a gas line, which has forced the homeowner to shut off the gas for safety.

State Agency's Response and Homeowner's Concerns

• ⚠️ The homeowner is considering legal action against the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) due to the agency's perceived inaction.
• 🗣️ The homeowner feels the CDFW should have dealt with the bear more decisively, especially since they chose not to euthanize it previously.
• 🚫 Deterrent methods recommended by the CDFW, such as hazing, are believed to be ineffective because this bear is habituated to the neighborhood and unafraid.

CDFW's Stance and Future Actions

• 📹 CDFW personnel have attempted to remove the bear using air cannons, chemicals, and a trap, but these efforts have not succeeded.
• 📊 Officials recently visited to change batteries on a camera tracking the bear's movements, indicating ongoing monitoring.
• 🤝 A CDFW spokesperson stated they remain committed to helping the homeowner and have not pulled their support, offering advice on hazing and securing the crawl space.
• ⚖️ Legal analysts suggest the homeowner may have grounds to sue, citing a 19-page CDFW policy that doesn't indicate they should abandon such situations.