> At a Glance
> – The tagged black bear known as Yellow 2120 has left the crawl-space under an Altadena home.
> – Wildlife crews have sealed the access point to prevent return visits.
> – California’s black bear numbers have climbed to an estimated 25,000-30,000 statewide.
> – Why it matters: Bear-human encounters are rising as population growth pushes animals into foothill neighborhoods.
A 350-plus-pound visitor that spent December squeezing under Ken Johnson’s Altadena house has officially moved on, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Exit
Cort Klopping of the agency confirmed Thursday:
> “Yellow 2120 is no longer under the home and the access point to the crawl-space has been secured.”
The tagged bear gained local fame after video showed it laboriously entering and exiting the tight space beneath Johnson’s residence.
Johnson admitted the constant presence was unnerving:
> “I feel nervous all the time. I’m always looking over my shoulder to see if he’s coming out.”
Why Bears Wander In
- Natural diet includes plants, insects, nuts, berries-and readily available trash.
- Habitat food shortages drive bears into foothill neighborhoods.
- Black bears (coats vary from tan to black) can top 600 pounds.
| Region | Share of Statewide Bear Population |
|---|---|
| Sierra Nevada & North/West | ~50% |
| Central Western & Southwestern CA | ~10% |
Key Takeaways
- Yellow 2120 has left the property and the entry hole is sealed.
- California’s black bear population has doubled since the 1980s.
- Altadena and other foothill communities can expect more wanderers as numbers grow.
With the grizzly bear long gone from California, the black bear is now the state’s headline bruin-sometimes right under our floors.
