In an unexpected encounter in the serene Monrovia foothills, a woman suffered minor injuries after a bear swiped at her while she was out walking her dog. The incident, which unfolded around 9:15 a.m. on a Saturday morning on Oakglade Drive, left both the woman and her furry companion shaken but thankfully safe.
According to Monrovia police, the bear approached the woman and managed to claw her just above the knee. The woman swiftly escaped the situation, and a concerned neighbor promptly called 911. Medical personnel took her to a local hospital, where she received treatment for non-life-threatening wounds and is expected to recover fully.
Neighborhood Bear Sightings
In the hours following the attack, two bears were spotted lounging under a nearby house, seemingly unaware of the earlier scare. Footage captured by locals showed one of the bears darting away from the property, skillfully evading a trap set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Residents in the area have grown accustomed to seeing bears around their homes. Robert, a longtime resident, expressed his surprise, stating, “I’ve lived here since 2020, and we’ve never had an incident where a bear has attacked a person in this area.” Another neighbor, Julie Strople, recounted an encounter just moments before the incident, sharing how she had recently seen a bear just two feet away from her while walking her own dog.
“It walked away when I asked it to, but it’s a reminder to stay observant, especially when we’re outdoors,” Strople remarked.
With several neighbors noting bear sightings recently, the community seems to have accepted these encounters as a normal part of life. Isaiah Barrocas even playfully remarked on wanting to hug a bear he spotted in his backyard, while others reminded each other to be cautious and avoid approaching these wild animals.
Staying Safe in Bear Country
In response to the bear sightings and the recent injuries, wildlife officials set a bear trap after learning that one bear had taken refuge under a neighbor’s home for two months. This bear was reportedly responsible for damaging the homeowner’s car cover.
While it’s unclear if the bear involved in the incident is the same one causing trouble in the neighborhood, most residents maintain a sense of calm regarding their safety. As Robert put it, “This is just part of the nature we all live in, and for those of us that have been here for a while, it’s been very, very safe.”
Officials advise that if you encounter a bear, it’s important to remain calm and avoid running away. Instead, back away slowly and allow the bear to have space. Staying informed and vigilant can help ensure that humans and wildlife continue to coexist safely in this beautiful natural environment.
