Large Male Black Bear Spotted in Castaic Residential Area, Authorities Warn Against Interaction

Santa Clarita, California – A large male black bear has been spotted wandering through residential areas in Castaic this morning, according to authorities. The creature was seen making its way along Lake Hughes Road before local law enforcement and wildlife officials began monitoring the area around midday.
As of late afternoon, the bear had taken refuge high up a tree on private property near Castaic Lake, where it has remained for several hours. According to experts from California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), this adult male weighs between 150-175 pounds – a substantial size that suggests he may be well-fed following the recent wildfires in nearby areas which have left behind an abundance of food for hungry bears.
CCTV footage obtained by SkyFOX, captured fleeting glimpses of the bear hiding amongst the foliage close to Castaic Lake before officials could apprehend him; a tactical effort currently being attempted at this time in order to safely rescue and relocate the animal back into its natural habitat.
Local authorities are warning nearby residents not to approach or interact with the bear under any circumstances, as black bears can be unpredictable creatures that may feel threatened if cornered or startled; especially those who have grown accustomed to scavenging in urban areas for food sources like garbage cans and bird feeders.
In order to prevent further incidents of this nature from occurring, officials are urging residents living within the vicinity of Castaic Lake to secure their trash bins with tight-fitting lids and refrain from feeding birds during periods when bears have been known to frequent these areas in search of food sources; a practice that can ultimately lead to unwanted confrontations between humans and wildlife.