"Don't Get the Wrong Idea, We're Just Here to Swim" ... The Unexpected Place That Became a Wild Bear Hotspot

Black bears in the spotlight for frequenting LA home's pool
Experts stress: "Distancing and food management are essential"

Photos and videos of wild black bears frequently visiting and relaxing in the swimming pool of a private home in the United States have captured public attention.

A black bear enjoying playing in a home swimming pool. Screenshot from Instagram (@poolbearlife)

"Playing in the Pool and Even Taking Naps"... Black Bears Visit the House Several Times a Week

On August 29 (local time), the BBC reported that Bryan Gordon and Ricardo Martinez, residents of Monrovia in Los Angeles County, California, are coexisting with black bears that visit their home.

The two began seeing bears regularly after moving into this house four years ago. At first, they tried to scare the bears away by making loud noises or shooting paintball guns. However, Martinez said, "I felt really uncomfortable," and added, "As long as they're not coming inside or rummaging through the trash, I don't think there's any reason to chase them away."

The bears visit the house several times a week to play in the swimming pool or roam the garden. Whenever the bears appear, the couple keeps their distance by staying inside their home.

Their favorite bear, "Maddy," first appeared at their house in 2023. Since then, she has returned with her cubs, while another regular visitor, "Naffy," is well known for taking hour-long naps in the pool.

Martinez pointed out that black bears are misunderstood, stating, "They are not going to eat people." Indeed, black bear attacks are rare. California is home to over 60,000 black bears, yet to date, there has been only one recorded fatality caused by a black bear.

Bears visit this house several times a week to play in the swimming pool or roam the garden. Screenshot from Instagram (@poolbearlife)

"To Coexist Safely, Maintaining Distance and Managing Food Sources Is Crucial"

However, living in close proximity to wild bears is not always safe. As incidents of bears entering people's homes or rummaging through trash are repeated, conflicts between humans and bears are increasing. For instance, a black bear named "Blondie" attacked a woman who was walking her dog in Monrovia and was euthanized by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in March.

CDFW explained that when a bear poses a threat to human safety and cannot be released back into the wild, euthanasia is considered a last resort. Relocating bears to other areas is also risky, as they often return to familiar places, which may pose public safety concerns.

Wilson Sherman, a researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), said that Gordon and Martinez’s social media activities help people understand bears as individuals and observe their lives up close. However, Sherman warned of the dangers of becoming too familiar or close to bears. To minimize conflicts, he explained, it is important to eliminate attractants such as unsecured garbage bins or outdoor food that could lure bears in.

Gordon and Martinez are also particularly vigilant about managing garbage. They do not use trash bins but instead take their garbage directly to their office several times a week. They also keep doors and windows closed and never leave food in their car. The couple emphasizes that their approach may not be applicable everywhere. Gordon explained, "This method works where we live," and stressed that even when coexisting with bears, maintaining a healthy distance is essential.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.