A California homeowner is frustrated that officials still haven't removed a 550-pound bear from under his house. Now, he's threatening to sue the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
According to Ken Johnson, the department hasn't helped him get rid of the animal. The bear has been living in a crawlspace under the house since at least November 30. According to KTLAT, Johnson is threatening to sue if officials don't get rid of the animal.
"This has gone on long enough, and it's something that they should deal with. It's a tagged bear. They've dealt with it before. They chose not to euthanize it, and now it's back and it's just going to keep on doing this," Johnson told KTLA.
However, CDFW says that it has remained committed to removing the animal.
"Despite very limited staff, CDFW biologists have been in constant communication with this homeowner since this bear was reported entering his unsecured crawlspace in November. We remain committed to helping this homeowner and have never indicated otherwise," a CDFW spokesperson said in a statement.
Bear In A Crawl Space
The homeowner then fired back at the claim.
"I'd really like to comment, but I'm not going to until I have proper legal representation," Johnson said.
A trap set to capture the animal ended up capturing a different bear. The animal then appeared again on Christmas. Johnson said the organization dropped trying to capture the bear.
"I felt very defeated. I just dropped. Now what? It's all up to me, and I'm supposed to watch my phone when he comes out in the middle of the night? Or sleep in the kitchen and listen for him every night?" Johnson told KTLA. "I wake up, toss and turn and then I think I hear something, is he under my bed? Last night I didn't get much sleep."
Johnson also had to turn off the gas due to damage under the house. "I can't take a hot shower. I've got to monitor the situation all the time," Johnson said.
"The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is committed to helping Californians across the state who are having unwelcome encounters with wildlife, which can cause stress and pose complicated challenges for peaceful coexistence," The CDFW said.
