ALTADENA, Calif. -- A 525-pound adult male bear was safely removed from a crawl space beneath a home in Altadena after the homeowners evacuated due to the Eaton Fire, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

Upon the family's return, the utility company informed them that power restoration was impossible because a bear was under the home where work was needed. CDFW Environmental Scientist Kevin Howells led a team of eight CDFW employees in the nearly 24-hour operation to remove the bear.

When a bear is in a crawlspace, CDFW said that they recommend that homeowners contact the Department so that a wildlife professional can evaluate the situation. However, to expedite power restoration, the team decided against chemical immobilization due to the bear's size and instead placed a bear trap near the crawlspace opening. The bear quickly entered the trap, allowing for its safe capture.

The bear was relocated to the Angeles National Forest, where it underwent a welfare check, was GPS-collared, and measured before being released just after midnight. CDFW confirmed that the homeowner's utilities have been restored, and the crawl space has been securely boarded to be bear-proof.

In the foothills of bear country, officials emphasize the importance of closing crawl spaces with bear-proof material, especially before winter, to discourage bears from denning and damaging property.