Bear Joined By Cub As They Grab A Snack, Draw A Crowd In Monrovia

MONROVIA (CBSLA.com) — A bear and her cub ventured into Monrovia on Wednesday in search of the bare necessities. They grabbed a snack and got some R&R in a tree, and a large crowd lined up to get a good look.

State wildlife officials didn't tranquilize the bears, partly because they feared it would upset the mother, who seemed to still be nursing her cub. They hoped that if they continued to keep the onlookers at a distance with police tape, the bears would eventually head back into the mountains by nightfall.

"She wants to go home, she wants to move back into what's more comfortable for her suitable habitat, but there's too much going on right now," Game Warden J.C. Healy said.

The bears finally went back into the wilderness around 10 p.m.

Stacy Luman was shocked to find the bears had camped out in the tree in front of her home, eating avocados she had left on a table. She said the furry thieves spent the day climbing up and down the tree.

Police in Glendale have seen a jump in wildlife sightings with the drought making water and food scarce commodities in the mountain areas.