In Altadena, California, a 525-pound male bear, affectionately nicknamed "Barry" by local residents, has been successfully removed from a crawl space beneath a home after hiding there prior to recent wildfires. Homeowner Samy Arbid had been devising a plan to remove the bear before the fires broke out, but it was not until a utility company came to restore power that Barry was discovered.
After the wildfires, which ravaged parts of Los Angeles County, the need for Barry's removal became critical. Arbid expressed concerns about the bear's safety, noting, "I think during the fire he pretty much stayed there. I think he was scared." His worries were echoed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), which advised that wildlife professionals should evaluate the situation to help homeowners discourage bears from nesting in crawl spaces.
The capture operation commenced just after midnight. A team of eight experts, led by CDFW environmental scientist Kevin Howells, devised a plan to extract Barry safely. They utilized a trap door, which was set up near the entrance of the crawl space. Remarkably, the trap door was triggered within minutes of being placed, allowing the team to secure the bear without incident.
Once captured, Barry was transported to Angeles National Forest for a welfare check and fitted with a GPS collar to monitor his movements post-release. The experts provided Barry with a variety of treats to ensure his comfort during the process. His diet included apples, peanut butter, sardines, chicken meat, and a butterscotch lure.
The entire effort to capture and release Barry took nearly 24 hours, highlighting the complexities involved in human-wildlife interactions. The team worked diligently to ensure that Barry was both safely extracted and adequately prepared for his return to the wild.
"It is important that a wildlife professional can evaluate the situation and help determine ways that the homeowner can discourage the bear from using the crawlspace and seal the entrance immediately once the animal is out." – CDFW
Once Barry was assessed and fitted with the GPS collar, he was released back into his natural habitat late into the night. This timely release not only ensured Barry's welfare but also helped alleviate concerns from residents who had grown accustomed to his presence roaming nearby.
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