A Pasadena man is pleading with wildlife officials for help after a massive black bear took up residence in the crawl space beneath his home after it fled the Eaton Fire last month.
Nicknamed “Yogi” by homeowner Sean Lorenzini, the bear has remained under the house, venturing out only at night in search of food.
“That bear has to be 7 feet tall, 5-600 pounds without a doubt,” Lorenzini said.
Neighbor Glen Ferris said Yogi has been living under the house since the fire and shows little interest in leaving.
“We think he took refuge in there during the fire… and he hasn’t wanted to come out since then,” Ferris said. “He comes out at night for food. But during the day, pretty much stays in there.”
The bear has left claw marks on trash bins in the area, breaking into Ferris’ supposedly bear-proof container.
“He’s busted it open,” Ferris said. “We are not afraid of him, he’s around here a lot.”
Residents believe he has been in the area for years, with old video footage appearing to show a younger, slimmer version of the bear.
But this time, residents say, Yogi has overstayed his welcome.
“My son’s bedroom backs up to Sean’s house, and he hears him all the time. We know he’s going in and out,” Ferris said.
His unwanted sleepover is causing problems for Lorenzini, delaying his home renovation and causing damage.
“We are having some fuses blown, so he’s down there obviously whacking things around,” he said. “Some of the insulation has been pulled out.”
Bear sightings are common in the foothills of Pasadena, especially following wildfires that force wildlife into residential areas. Recently, another 500-pound bear was discovered hiding under a home in nearby Altadena, where wildlife officials lured it out with peanut butter and rotisserie chicken.
But Yogi apparently can’t be swayed as easily. Residents say he’s has also exhibited some concerning behavior, including attacking a neighbor’s goat a few months ago, leading to fear that he could injure other pets or people.
“He’s there, and he’s dangerous. You don’t know what he’s going to do,” Lorenzini said. “It’s not like he’s not entitled to be here. We are encroaching on his territory. Nonetheless, this bear and humans aren’t meant to interact like this.”
Lorenzini hopes wildlife officials can safely relocate Yogi before the situation escalates.
“I need him out,” he said. “I don’t want him hurt but I need him removed and I think he’s just going to come back.”
