by germainebull » 09 Feb 2026, 11:30
For more than a month, a large black bear has taken up residence in the basement of Los Angeles resident Ken Johnson’s home. He began living there on Thanksgiving, damaging structures by upsetting gas pipes and knocking down bricks as he entered and exited.
Security cameras showed him easily tearing through barriers and squeezing through small openings. When Johnson called for help from state wildlife officials, they tried air horns and paintballs, but those tactics were unsuccessful. Finally, he turned to the Bear League, a non-profit organization known for its efforts to peacefully coexist with bears.
The Bear League team deployed a “unpleasant welcome mat” — a device that delivers a mild electric shock to the entranceway. Within 20 minutes, the bear was gone. Video showed him trying to reenter, but when he stepped on the floor, he quickly ran away and never came back.
For more than a month, a large black bear has taken up residence in the basement of Los Angeles resident Ken Johnson’s home. He began living there on Thanksgiving, damaging structures by upsetting gas pipes and knocking down bricks as he entered and exited.
Security cameras showed him easily tearing through barriers and squeezing through small openings. When Johnson called for help from state wildlife officials, they tried air horns and paintballs, but those tactics were unsuccessful. Finally, he turned to the Bear League, a non-profit organization known for its efforts to peacefully coexist with bears.
The Bear League team deployed a “unpleasant welcome mat” — a device that delivers a mild electric shock to the entranceway. Within 20 minutes, the bear was gone. Video showed him trying to reenter, but when he stepped on the floor, he quickly ran away and never came back.
