Mon Feb 03 01:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Bear Rescued from Crawl Space After Hiding from LA Wildfires
**ALTADENA, CA** – A 238-kilogram black bear, affectionately nicknamed Berry or Victor by locals, was rescued from the crawl space of a home in Altadena after seeking refuge from the devastating Eaton Fire. The homeowner, Samy Arbid, discovered the bear after utility workers, attempting to restore power, found access blocked.
It took a team of eight wildlife experts from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), nearly 24 hours to safely remove the bear. Unable to tranquilize and drag out the large animal, they lured Berry into a trap using apples, peanut butter, and rotisserie chicken. Once secured, Berry received a health check, was fitted with a tracking collar, and released into the Angeles National Forest just after midnight.
The Eaton Fire, which is now 99% contained, destroyed nearly 10,000 structures and claimed 17 lives. Berry, believed to have lived near the fire’s origin in Eaton Canyon, is thought to have remained in the crawl space throughout the blaze. The Altadena home has since been secured to prevent future animal intrusions.
First Piper 