Bear Retreats in Pool of La Canada Home

Residents placed on alert after sighting announced

A large bear made its way into the pool of a La Canada Flintridge home on Wednesday, triggering safety concerns among local residents.

Elna Coetzee, the homeowner, found the bear swimming in the backyard pool and took photos of the animal as it leisured and roamed around for about 20 minutes.

"He looked very much at home, so who knows how many times he's been here before in the dark and nobody knows," Coetzee said.

Sheriff's deputies sent an alert to residents, warning them about the presence of the bear. Residents and school children were told not to go outside while the bear was sighted.

Animals sometimes come down from their mountainside habitats seeking relief from hotter temperatures, which occasionally occurs in La Canada.

No one was injured during the bear sighting.

Contact Us