Woman Survives Harrowing Bear Attack at Suburban Los Angeles Residence

A woman from Southern California had a close call with a bear while walking her dog in the foothills of Monrovia early Saturday morning, barely escaping without serious harm.

The unnerving incident occurred at approximately 9:15 a.m. on Oakglade Drive. The bear suddenly appeared and swiped at her, grazing the back of her knee. Fortunately, she was able to make a quick getaway with her dog, as reported by ABC.

Authorities confirmed that she was transported to a nearby hospital, where her injuries were treated and deemed non-life-threatening.

This alarming encounter took place in a serene neighborhood nestled near the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.

According to the Monrovia Police Department, the woman was out for a morning walk with her pet when the bear unexpectedly emerged and attacked with its claw.

Despite the frightening ordeal, both the woman and her dog successfully escaped to safety. Nearby residents alerted 911, prompting emergency responders to swiftly arrive and assist the woman.

Just hours after the attack, neighbors reported seeing two bears lingering around the same neighborhood — including one that appeared to be sheltering underneath a nearby home.

Video from the area showed one of the animals darting away from the property while avoiding a trap set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The incident left some residents shaken, though many said encounters with bears are not unusual in the area.

“A little shocked. I’ve lived here now since 2020, and we’ve never had an incident where a bear has attacked a person in this area,” said neighbor Robert.

Another resident, Julie Strople, said she had seen a bear just minutes before the woman was injured while walking her own dog, Fred.

“The bear was like literally two feet from where you’re standing, and I said, ‘Mama bear, go.’ She looked at me, and she walked away,” Strople said.

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Several neighbors said bears have been spotted wandering through yards in recent days.

Resident Isaiah Barrocas even managed to snap a photo of one roaming through his backyard.

“I kind of wanted to go out there and give it a big hug,” he said.

His neighbor Amy Barrocas urged caution when encountering wildlife.

“You just have to be careful when you see a bear. You can’t come up to it and pet it,” she said.

Wildlife officers later placed a bear trap outside a nearby home after the homeowner reported that one of the animals had been living beneath the house for roughly two months. The resident also said the bear had torn through the fabric covering his car.

Officials have not confirmed whether the bear involved in Saturday’s attack is the same one that neighbors say has been roaming the area.

Despite the close call, many longtime residents said they still feel safe living alongside the wildlife that frequents the foothill community.

“We are very used to the bears. We even joke that they have names,” Robert said.

Authorities are reminding the public to remain calm if they encounter a bear. Officials advise people not to run and instead slowly back away while giving the animal plenty of space.