California officials capture and release a bear at Hansen Dam after it wandered near people

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:12:00 +0200

California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials captured a 275-pound bear at Hansen Dam on Monday after it had caused concern among local residents over the weekend. The black bear was first spotted on Sunday at Hansen Dam Recreation Area in the San Fernando Valley, near Pacoima, where it approached crowds of park visitors, prompting a police and wildlife response. Video footage showed the bear running around the neighborhood as rangers prepared to safely intervene. The bear was eventually sedated with a dart and fell asleep on top of a cinder block wall dividing two properties. Officials confirmed that the bear, approximately 4-5 years old and in good health, was tagged, collared, and had its vitals checked. After these procedures, the animal was released into the Angeles National Forest. Authorities emphasized that the bear had not caused any property damage or injured anyone and labeled it a 'first-time offender.' Steve Gonzalez, a spokesperson for the Fish and Wildlife Departm