A black bear who injured a woman in Monrovia on Saturday has been euthanized by state officials, despite calls from city leaders to relocate the animal and her cubs.
Bear Encounter and Euthanasia
The incident occurred around 9:20 a.m. Saturday on Oakglade Drive, when the bear charged at a woman walking her dog and swiped at the back of her knee, according to Monrovia Police Lt. Kevin Oberon. The woman received treatment for non-serious injuries.
Monrovia City Manager Dylan Feik announced Tuesday evening that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) had euthanized the mother bear. The city had requested the bear and her cubs be relocated to the Angeles National Forest, but Feik stated the decision was ultimately outside of local control.
DNA evidence linked the bear to a similar incident in June, where she swiped at an elderly man on his porch in the same area. According to Feik, CDFW officials determined that these two incidents involving human injury justified the bear’s euthanasia, in accordance with state policy.
Cubs and Community Response
The bear and her two cubs were captured Sunday, with CDFW planning to release the cubs into wildland areas. The decision to euthanize the mother bear has sparked outrage from some community members, with one individual expressing concern on Instagram about the loss of wildlife in California following recent fires.
There has been an increase in bear sightings in foothill neighborhoods in recent years. Some believe the Eaton fire in Altadena contributed to this trend, driving bears from their habitat in search of food and shelter. In June, Sierra Madre reported 41 bear encounters, more than tripling the previous year’s total.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on Saturday morning?
A bear charged at a woman walking her dog on Oakglade Drive in Monrovia and swiped at the back of her knee. She was treated for non-serious injuries.
Why was the bear euthanized?
CDFW officials determined that two incidents involving human injury – one in June and one on Saturday – were sufficient justification for euthanasia, according to state policy.
What will happen to the bear’s cubs?
CDFW plans to release the two young, healthy cubs into wildland areas.
As human populations expand into bear territory, what steps can communities take to minimize conflict and ensure the safety of both residents and wildlife?
