As the Los Angeles metropolitan area continues to expand, encounters between humans and black bears are becoming increasingly common, particularly in communities bordering the Angeles National Forest. Each year, as late summer turns to fall, California’s black bears intensify their search for food to prepare for hibernation, leading them to venture into suburban neighborhoods in search of calorie-dense human food sources.
Black bears, which number between 50,000 and 70,000 statewide, are highly adaptable omnivores capable of consuming much of what humans eat. In the foothill town of Monrovia, California—often cited as the state’s bear capital—bears have become a regular presence in residential backyards. Brian Gordon, who moved there four years ago, described living alongside the animals as an evolving coexistence. Gordon and his partner share their property, including their swimming pool, with a family of bears, documenting their playful behavior in videos posted on Instagram under the account “PoolBearLife.”
Experts caution that while black bears may appear charming, it is essential for residents to minimize attractants such as unsecured trash, pet food left outdoors, and ripe fruit trees. Wilson Sherman, a University of California, Los Angeles researcher specializing in human-wildlife interactions, emphasized that human-dominated landscapes adjacent to wild habitats must be managed to reduce the appeal to bears. Unlike natural food sources such as acorns and insects, human food is far more calorie-rich, incentivizing bears to forage near homes and increasing their reproductive success.
Environmental factors are also contributing to the rise in bear sightings in suburban areas. Climate change-induced warmer temperatures and significant wildfires, including the 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires near Los Angeles, have disrupted natural food availability, pushing bears to seek sustenance in residential zones. Reports of human-bear encounters tend to peak in late summer and early fall during the bears’ pre-hibernation feeding period known as hyperphagia. In 2026, officials expect a record number of such reports, coinciding with an increase in outdoor recreational activities during the Labor Day period.
While most interactions are benign, conflicts can occasionally escalate, sometimes resulting in bears being relocated or euthanized to ensure public safety. Earlier this year, Monrovia residents protested the euthanization of a mother bear known as “Blondie” after she was involved in two incidents causing minor injuries. The city’s mayor expressed regret over the decision, which left Blondie’s two cubs in captivity.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife scientists stress the importance of education and preventive measures in reducing conflicts. Alex Heeran, a research scientist focusing on human dimensions of wildlife encounters, noted that many incidents could be avoided by securing food sources and giving bears space. Sherman also highlighted the mixed impact of social media in shaping public perceptions—while viral videos can foster empathy for bears, they may also lead to unrealistic expectations about interacting safely with wild animals.
As the current season of heightened activity winds down, residents in Los Angeles’ foothill neighborhoods can expect temporary relief from frequent bear visits. However, with ongoing urban expansion and environmental changes, human-wildlife coexistence challenges are likely to persist, requiring continued attention from both communities and wildlife officials.