A Los Angeles man had a startling homecoming after the infamous Eaton Fires when he made a chilling discovery under his house.
Meet Samy Arbid, age 41. Upon his return to his Altadena residence, he discovered an unexpected tenant: a colossal 525-pound bear had made itself comfortable in the crawl space beneath his home.

This surprising house guest was unveiled after Samy installed a Ring camera in the crawl space following the Eaton wildfire. Little did he know, he would come face to face with such a massive creature. Even wildfire officials were astounded, labeling it as one of the largest bears they’ve ever encountered.

‘We installed a significant Ring camera with lighting under the crawlspace,’ explained CBS News. To their amazement, it revealed a giant bear residing there.
This incident left many locals quite uneasy for a time. During the devastating fires, the bear stayed put, adding to the anxiety of the situation. The complexity grew when Southern California’s gas crews faced the reality: restoring gas service to the home meant dealing with the giant squatter under it.
The whole ordeal was nothing short of nerve-wracking. Many found a renewed respect for the wild animals seeking refuge in unnatural urban settings during natural disasters. Moreover, handling such a gigantic visitor required careful planning and cooperation from various local agencies.
The presence of the bear acted as a stark reminder of the intersection of human habitation with wildlife, especially highlighted during crisis situations like fires. In an interview, Samy shared that he initially installed the Ring camera to ensure his home’s security but ended up with a tale that would be told for generations.
Emergency services and authorities worked closely to ensure the bear’s safe removal from the property. It was a delicate operation, ensuring no harm came to the bear or the humans trying to coexist in the affected area.
The story of Samy and the Altadena bear soon traveled far and wide, capturing the fascination of many. People were reminded of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.
After the incident, local wildlife experts issued warnings and guidelines for residents in fire-prone areas. They emphasized understanding animal behavior during such emergencies, suggesting implementations of measures to help prevent unexpected encounters in the future.
For Samy, the experience turned from a frightening encounter to one of reflection and awareness about the environment he resides in. Looking ahead, he and his neighbors are adopting practices to safeguard both their homes and the wildlife they share the land with.
In the end, the bear was safely relocated by wildlife officials to a more suitable habitat far from residential areas. Samy expressed his relief and gratitude towards the officials and the community for their support and understanding during this unusual situation.
This encounter has left a lasting impression on all involved, highlighting not just the potential for wildlife to interrupt urban life, but also the potential for humans and animals to coexist with mutual respect and care.
The tale of the Altadena bear serves as a lasting memory for the community about the unpredictable trials brought about by fires, and the resilience it takes to face such unique challenges head-on.
As Samy continues to tell his incredible story, it is a poignant reminder of life’s unexpected twists and the connection we all share with the world’s magnificent wildlife.