Bear and cub rescued from Southern California water tank after hikers discover family stuck

Hikers discovered a black bear family stuck in a water tank near Claremont Wilderness Park's 5-Mile Loop Trail on Saturday, leading to a dramatic rescue operation.

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, it received reports shortly after noon that a sow and her two cubs were trapped inside the tank after a group of hikers heard "howling."

By the time a CDFW crew arrived, one of the cubs escaped the tank on its own and fled to a nearby tree.

Along with the La Verne Fire Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department, CDFW crews cut a hole at the top of the tank and placed a ladder for the sow and cub to exit. 

All three animals are safe, the CDFW said.

The tank is now being secured, according to authorities, to avoid similar situations in the future.