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Altadena Residents On Edge After Bear Sighting

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. adena-residents-on-edge-after-bear-sighting.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 18:14 GMT by The Desert Sun
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

ALTADENA, CA - February 8, 2026 - Residents of Altadena remain on edge following yet another bear sighting this week, escalating a long-running issue that highlights the growing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in California. The latest incident has reignited speculation that the culprit is 'Bear 93,' a notoriously food-motivated black bear with a documented history of breaking into homes in the area. This isn't simply a case of a wandering animal; it's a complex situation born from decades of habitat encroachment and the unintended consequences of human behavior.

The recent sighting, reported Tuesday morning near several residences, is just the latest in a string of encounters stretching back years. Local resident Carol Green, a lifelong Altadena resident, succinctly expressed the community's growing anxiety: "We've lived here for decades, and these bears are getting bolder and bolder." This perceived increase in boldness isn't necessarily due to increased aggression in the bears themselves, but rather a learned behavior - they've discovered a reliable food source in residential areas, and continue to return.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is currently working to confirm the identity of the bear involved in the latest incident. While positive identification is crucial, the underlying problem extends far beyond a single animal. 'Bear 93,' if confirmed, is a symptom of a larger issue - a bear that has become habituated to humans and dependent on readily available, non-natural food sources.

CDFW spokesperson Sarah Miller emphasizes preventative measures for residents: "Secure your trash cans, don't leave pet food outside, and be mindful of what smells are coming from your property." These recommendations, while vital, are proving insufficient on their own. The scent of food, even seemingly innocuous items, can travel considerable distances, attracting bears from miles away. The problem is compounded by the fact that Altadena sits on the edge of the Angeles National Forest, a significant bear habitat. As human development expands into these areas, encounters become inevitable.

The history of 'Bear 93' is well-documented by the CDFW. Repeated attempts to deter the bear - including hazing techniques and relocation efforts - have proven largely unsuccessful. The bear consistently returns to Altadena, exploiting vulnerabilities in residential security. This demonstrates the limitations of reactive measures; a truly effective solution requires a proactive, multi-faceted approach.

The situation has sparked a passionate debate within the Altadena community. Some residents are calling for more aggressive management strategies, including potential lethal removal of 'Bear 93' and other problem bears. Others advocate for strictly non-lethal solutions, prioritizing coexistence and emphasizing the importance of responsible waste management and community education. The ethical considerations are significant. While protecting human safety is paramount, lethal removal raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of bear populations and the potential for increased conflict as other bears move into vacated territories.

The CDFW acknowledges the complexities and is exploring a range of options. Increased monitoring through the use of GPS tracking collars is being considered to better understand bear movements and identify potential conflict zones. Expanded public education campaigns, focusing on bear-aware living, are also planned. Relocation remains a possibility, but its effectiveness is questionable given 'Bear 93's' proven ability to return. Furthermore, relocating a habituated bear to a new environment can simply transfer the problem to another community.

Experts suggest a more holistic approach is needed, one that addresses the root causes of the conflict. This includes improved bear-resistant waste containers, stricter enforcement of ordinances regarding food storage, and proactive habitat management to ensure bears have sufficient natural food sources within their native range. Community involvement is critical. Residents need to be active participants in securing their properties and educating their neighbors. The situation in Altadena serves as a cautionary tale for other communities facing similar challenges. As human populations continue to grow and encroach upon wildlife habitats, the potential for conflict will only increase, demanding innovative and collaborative solutions to ensure the safety of both humans and animals.