Residents of Chatsworth, Los Angeles were taken aback when a collared and tagged bear was spotted roaming the suburban streets of their neighborhood. The bear was first seen on Monday night in an industrial area near De Soto Avenue and Lassen Street. Los Angeles police officers responded to the scene and closely monitored the animal as it wandered between industrial buildings and parking lots.

By early Tuesday morning, the bear had sought refuge high up a tree in the same area, leaving nearby residents astonished. Many had learned about the bear's presence through the Citizens app and flocked to the scene in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the elusive creature. Crystal Amaya, a resident of Canoga Park, shared her surprise, stating, "I've always wanted to see a bear, and I never thought I would see it here in my hometown... I just hope it ends up safe."

The bear in question is a female between three and five years old, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. She was captured in late May in Claremont and later released into the Angeles National Forest. Since then, officials have been tracking her journey, which led her along the 210 Freeway to the Malibu area.

The department made an attempt to capture the bear on Monday, but it did not enter the trap. In a statement, they explained that their primary objective was for the bear to find its way back to suitable habitat on its own. However, if the path back is not apparent and the animal appears unable to find it, the department may intervene by chemically immobilizing the bear and returning it to the nearest suitable habitat.

As a result, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has dispatched human-wildlife conflict staff to the area to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. They emphasized that the decision to intervene is made with careful consideration for both the animal's well-being and public safety.

Bear sightings are not uncommon in Southern California's foothill communities, but to witness one walking through the suburban streets of Chatsworth was an unexpected surprise for the residents. As the wildlife officials work to ensure the bear's safety and well-being, locals can only hope for a peaceful resolution that allows the bear to return to its natural habitat.