'Celebrity' Bear Roams Neighborhood, Backyards In San Gabriel Valley Community

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SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA.com) — A well-known bear roamed a residential neighborhood Monday in the San Gabriel Valley and put on quite a show.

The bear was spotted around 3 p.m. in the community of Bradbury, just north of Duarte along the San Gabriel foothills. The sighting prompted a lockdown at Royal Oaks Elementary.

It first emerged along the 200 block of Oak Shade Road. People in Bradbury expect to co-exist with their indigenous neighbors but the family pets, aren't so willing to share. The bear picked a house where he came face-to-face with an angry guard dog. The bear backed down, but the dog gave chase, nearly nipping the bear in he behind. The bear clearly saw he was not welcome and took off.

Homeowner Tava Kkoli says the bear is almost part of the family. He says the bear and possibly its Cubs are there almost nightly, turning over trashcans and looking for a place to sleep.

"He's hungry, he just wants to eat," Kkoli said.

The bear appeared to have an ear tag, indicating the animal had been previously processed by authorities.