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California Bear Remains Trapped Under Home After Weeks of Failed Rescue

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, December 31st 2025 at 0:28 GMT by Fox News

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Stubborn Bear Remains Trapped Underneath Home in California After Weeks of Failed Rescue Efforts

A black bear’s stubborn refusal to leave has turned into a bizarre and increasingly frustrating saga for residents of the South Lake Tahoe area in California. For weeks, the animal has remained wedged beneath a home on Alder Way, defying numerous attempts by wildlife experts to coax it out, creating a local spectacle and raising concerns about both the bear's well-being and public safety.

The situation began unfolding in early June when homeowner Donna Kidwell first noticed a large black bear had somehow managed to squeeze itself under her house, leaving only its rear visible. The bear, estimated to weigh between 300 and 400 pounds, appears to have entered the crawlspace seeking shade and potentially food sources. The narrow space, roughly three feet high and situated beneath the home’s foundation, has proven remarkably difficult for the animal to navigate back out of.

Initially, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officials attempted a variety of non-invasive methods to encourage the bear's departure. These included playing recordings of female bears calling, scattering food outside to lure it away from the crawlspace, and even attempting to use an air cannon to gently nudge it out. All efforts proved unsuccessful. The bear remained firmly lodged, seemingly comfortable enough in its unusual subterranean shelter.

"We’ve tried everything we can think of," stated CDFW spokesperson Mitch Thornton to Fox News. "We've played recordings of female bears, we've put attractants outside, and even used an air cannon – all with no success." Thornton emphasized the department's priority is ensuring the bear’s safety while also mitigating any potential risks to the community.

The bear's presence has become a local attraction. Neighbors and onlookers regularly gather to observe the trapped animal, documenting its movements (or lack thereof) and sharing videos on social media. The situation highlights the increasing frequency of human-wildlife interactions in California’s Lake Tahoe region, where development encroaches upon natural habitats. As reported by KCRA 3, a local news station covering the story, this isn't an isolated incident; similar situations involving bears getting stuck in unusual places have occurred in the area before, though rarely with such prolonged duration.

The difficulty lies in the bear’s apparent contentment and the physical limitations of the space. While CDFW officials initially hoped the animal would eventually attempt to leave on its own, weeks have passed without progress. The worry now is that the bear could suffer from dehydration or injury if it remains trapped for an extended period. The situation also presents a potential hazard if the bear were to suddenly bolt out unexpectedly, potentially injuring someone nearby.

Complicating matters further, experts believe the bear may be accessing food sources under the house – possibly rodents or other small animals – which is incentivizing it to stay put. Removing these attractants has been attempted, but complete eradication is challenging given the structure of the crawlspace.

As of this writing (mid-June 2024), CDFW officials are considering more drastic measures. While tranquilizer darts were initially ruled out due to concerns about potential complications in such a confined space and the risk of the bear falling or injuring itself, they are now being seriously reevaluated. The process would involve carefully calculating the dosage needed to safely sedate the animal without causing harm and having a trained team present to monitor its condition during and after sedation.

"We're weighing all options," Thornton explained. "Tranquilizing it is not ideal, but we have to consider it if other methods continue to fail." He stressed that any intervention would be carried out with the utmost caution and in consultation with veterinary experts specializing in wildlife care.

The situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in balancing human development with the preservation of natural habitats. The bear’s predicament is not solely attributable to the animal's actions; it also reflects the ongoing pressures on wildlife corridors and the increasing proximity of humans to bear populations. As reported by the Sierra Sun, local residents are being urged to secure their trash, remove potential food sources from outdoor areas, and remain vigilant about bear activity in the region.

The future remains uncertain for the trapped bear. While officials remain hopeful that a solution can be found without resorting to sedation, the ongoing stalemate underscores the complexities of wildlife management and the need for continued public education on responsible coexistence with bears. The community anxiously awaits news, hoping for a safe and successful resolution to this unusual and prolonged standoff.

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