A 550-pound black bear that had been living beneath a man’s home in Altadena, California, for more than a month was finally removed this week in a carefully coordinated and humane operation led by wildlife rescue volunteers.

The bear, a large adult male, had taken shelter inside the crawl space under homeowner Ken Johnson’s house, using the confined area as protection during colder weather. Despite the animal’s size, it remained largely undetected for weeks before authorities and wildlife experts confirmed its presence.

After monitoring the situation and ensuring no immediate threat to residents or the bear, a wildlife rescue group implemented a non-lethal eviction strategy designed to minimize stress and avoid injury. Volunteers used paintball guns loaded with non-toxic rounds to gently encourage the bear to exit the crawl space.

Video from the operation shows the bear emerging from beneath the home before retreating calmly into nearby wooded areas, where it resumed its natural habitat without incident. No injuries were reported to the bear, residents, or responders.

Wildlife officials emphasized that the operation demonstrated effective coexistence practices, noting that humane deterrence and patience are often the safest solutions when large animals encroach into residential spaces.

The incident serves as a reminder of the increasing interaction between humans and wildlife in suburban areas, particularly in regions bordering open land and foothills, where animals may seek shelter during seasonal changes.