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550-Pound Black Bear Takes Up Residence in California Home

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 30th 2025 at 12:18 GMT by ABC

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A Bear-ly Believable Situation: 550-Pound Black Bear Takes Up Residence Inside California Home

The quiet community of Truckee, California, is reeling after the discovery of an extraordinary situation: a massive, 550-pound black bear has been living inside a vacant home for several weeks. The story, first reported by ABC News and quickly gaining national attention, highlights the increasing boldness of wildlife in areas bordering their natural habitats and raises questions about how to safely remove such a large animal without harming it or endangering residents.

The homeowner, identified as Sherry McTavish, purchased the property recently but is currently living elsewhere. She was alerted to the unusual situation by her property manager, who noticed signs of disturbance during a routine check-in. Initially, McTavish dismissed the concerns, assuming it might be smaller wildlife. However, upon closer inspection and confirmation from local authorities, the reality proved astonishing: a fully grown adult male black bear had essentially moved into her house.

The bear's entry point remains a mystery, though officials suspect it likely squeezed through a dog door or found an unsecured opening. Once inside, the animal has apparently made itself quite comfortable. Evidence suggests the bear has been feasting on food left in the pantry and refrigerator, leaving behind a trail of destruction throughout the house. Photos released by ABC News show overturned furniture, scattered debris, and significant damage to kitchen cabinets and appliances – all signs of a large animal’s presence and foraging habits.

"It's just unbelievable," McTavish told ABC News. "I can't believe something like this would happen." She expressed concern not only for the damage to her property but also for the bear's well-being, emphasizing that she doesn't want it harmed. This sentiment reflects a common approach in California and other western states where wildlife conservation is prioritized alongside human safety.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has been involved since the discovery. They’ve deemed the situation complex due to the bear’s size and the fact that it's already established itself within a structure. Simply tranquilizing and relocating the animal isn't straightforward; a bear of this magnitude requires specialized equipment and expertise, and the risk of injury to both the animal and personnel is significant.

"This is an unusual situation," stated CDFW spokesperson Peter Tappe in an interview with ABC News. "We don’t often see bears getting into houses like this." He explained that while black bear encounters are relatively common in California, particularly in areas bordering national forests and wilderness areas, a bear taking up residence inside a home is exceptionally rare. The CDFW's website provides extensive information on living safely with bears (https://wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Bears-Safe/Living-Near-Bears), emphasizing the importance of securing food sources and eliminating attractants.

Experts believe that the bear’s behavior – entering a human dwelling and exhibiting such comfort within it – is likely driven by a combination of factors. The ongoing drought conditions in California have reduced natural food sources, pushing bears to seek alternative sustenance. The proximity of residential areas to bear habitat also increases opportunities for encounters. Furthermore, if the bear has previously encountered unsecured food or garbage, it may associate human dwellings with readily available meals.

Removing the bear presents a significant challenge. CDFW officials are currently exploring various options, including attempting to lure the bear out using non-lethal methods and potentially employing specialized teams equipped to safely tranquilize and capture the animal. However, they acknowledge that the process could take time and require careful planning. The safety of both the bear and the surrounding community remains paramount.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing human-wildlife conflict occurring in California and other regions experiencing habitat loss and climate change impacts. It underscores the importance of proactive measures to prevent such situations, including securing trash cans, removing bird feeders, and educating residents about responsible wildlife management practices. The situation in Truckee is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as a plan for the bear’s removal is finalized. The hope is that this unusual resident can be safely returned to its natural habitat, preventing further disruption and ensuring the safety of both humans and wildlife.

I've tried to capture the key details from the article, provide context about California's approach to wildlife management, and explain potential contributing factors to the bear’s behavior. Let me know if you would like any adjustments or additions!