A large bear caused police to evacuate Hansen Dam Park in the San Fernando Valley on Sunday evening after being spotted in trees throughout the recreation area. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is responding to the situation.
A large bear caused police to evacuate Hansen Dam Park in the San Fernando Valley on Sunday evening, officials said.
The Los Angeles Police Department closed down the park and taped off the library area. The animal was seen in at least three trees in the recreation area, according to the LAPD.
No injuries have been reported, police said. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is responding to the situation, the LAPD confirmed.
It was unclear when the park would reopen to the public. The sighting has left neighbors in the area on alert and some residents saying it was their first time seeing a wild bear in person.
Nearby in Shadow Hills, another bear sighting occurred on Saturday night. A bear was spotted casually strolling through a backyard before chasing chickens and knocking over trash cans.
A neighbor named Cindy Frith-Smith captured video of the bear and said it was her first time seeing a wild bear in person. She told reporters the bear was going up a tree and that she wanted to see it despite being told to go back inside.
Another neighbor Bobby Avakin said he was bewildered by the random bear sighting. The bear eventually left the neighborhood without incident.
Police kept an eye on the bear and at one point pulled out long guns just in case the bear's energy took a turn. The bear eventually left without incident. Police say it's now back in its natural habitat in the mountains.
The sighting is a reminder to keep areas around your home free of food and garbage that could attract wildlife, big and small.
If you ever encounter a bear, experts say it's better to back away slowly rather than running.
This article was generated with AI assistance.