A large bear near Hansen Dam led to a police and wildlife response before officials darted and relocated it to Angeles National Forest.
A heavy-set bear roaming near Hansen Dam turned a quiet weekend into a tense scene of people watching and officials scrambling to regain control.
According to Misryoum. California wildlife officials captured the bear on Monday. a day after it drew attention at Hansen Dam Recreation Area in the San Fernando Valley near Pacoima.. Residents had reported concern as the animal moved close to park crowds. prompting a police presence and keeping onlookers at a distance.
The incident highlights how quickly wildlife encounters can escalate when people underestimate how unpredictably an animal can behave in populated areas.
Misryoum reports that video footage from the Sunday episode showed the bear walking near groups of weekend visitors.. Officials were again on scene Monday as the bear moved beyond the park and into nearby residential areas. where it drew attention from residents and complicated efforts to secure the animal.
In the pursuit described by Misryoum, rangers worked to position themselves as the bear ran around the neighborhood. Ultimately, officials used a dart to subdue it, after which the bear fell asleep on top of a cinder block wall separating two properties.
This kind of response matters because it shows the challenge of balancing public safety with humane handling, especially when animals remain mobile in an urban-adjacent setting.
Misryoum says officials took the bear for standard procedures after capture, including collecting vitals and attaching identification equipment. The bear was also fitted with a collar and an ear tag.
Officials described the bear as 45 years old and weighing about 275 pounds, characterizing that weight as consistent with a healthy condition. After it was tagged and collared, Misryoum reports the animal was released into the Angeles National Forest.
Misryoum notes that officials framed the situation as a “no harm. no foul” encounter. citing no reports of break-ins or direct incidents involving people.. As communities along the edges of wildlands keep expanding. incidents like this serve as a reminder that residents should stay cautious and give wildlife plenty of space.