At a Glance
- Dog Oreo reunited with owner after Palisades Fire.
- Big Bear eagles hatched three chicks; one died after a storm.
- Over 60 sea lions and dolphins treated for algal bloom toxicity.
Why it matters: These stories show how California’s wildlife and pets face both natural disasters and human impact.
In 2025, Southern California witnessed a mix of heart-warming reunions and unsettling wildlife crises. From a dog rescued after a wildfire to eagles struggling in a storm, the year’s animal moments captured resilience and concern alike.
Dog Reunions and Losses
Casey Colvin was reunited with his dog Oreo after the Palisades Fire. The dog had run away during evacuation, and after a five-hour drive, a tracker located him a week later. The tearful reunion was filmed and shared online.
A 93-year-old West Hills man named Norm found his missing dog Sunny after two weeks of searching. He enlisted help from Dog Days Search & Rescue, and the reunion was captured by NBC4.
Burbank Police’s K-9 Spike was shot during a traffic stop on the 5 Freeway in November. The four-year-old was honored with a procession that included community members and other pets.
A YouTuber named Alex Choi rescued an Akita who stayed beside its hit-and-run victim in Watts. The dog, named Mika, was taken to a shelter and searched for a new home.
- Colvin – Oreo found via tracker
- Norm – Sunny returned after rescue effort
- Spike – K-9 killed on duty
- Alex Choi – Akita saved after hit-and-run
Wildlife Highlights
Friends of Big Bear Valley livestreamed the nesting of eagles Jackie and Shadow. They successfully hatched three chicks, but a spring storm left one missing. The nonprofit confirmed one eaglet had died.
> “We are just observers and cannot predict what will happen next.”
> Friends of Big Bear Valley
Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) in San Pedro treated more than 60 sea lions and dolphins sickened by a toxic algal bloom that spread from Malibu to Long Beach. The bloom produced domoic acid, causing lethargy and seizures in affected animals.
> “The algae can build up in sardines, anchovies and shellfish, causing lethargy, seizures and aggressive behavior.”
> MMCC spokesperson
| Event | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Big Bear eagles hatch | 3 chicks hatched, 1 died |
| Algal bloom | >60 marine mammals treated |
Other Animal Incidents
An Altadena homeowner, Ken Johnson, discovered a 500-pound bear in his crawlspace. He set up a camera and captured the bear roaming the house. Johnson has contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, but the bear remains untrapped.
> “When I saw it all torn up, I thought, ‘He must not be under there,’ because there is no way a bear could fit.”
> Ken Johnson
Key Takeaways
- Oreo and other dogs reunited after California fires.
- Big Bear eagles faced loss after a storm, highlighting wildlife fragility.
- Algal blooms posed a serious health risk to marine mammals.
- A bear now inhabits a private crawlspace, raising safety concerns.
These events underscore the diverse challenges animals in Southern California face, from human-made disasters to natural hazards.
