Backyard Bear in Pacoima: School Lockdown and Wildlife Relocation After 275-Pound Bear Wanders LA Suburb

PACOIMA, CA — Residents of a quiet Los Angeles neighborhood were given a start on Monday morning, May 4, 2026, when a 275-pound black bear was spotted meandering through backyards near the Hansen Dam. The unexpected visit triggered a school lockdown and a multi-agency response as wildlife officials worked to safely return the animal to the wild.

The bear was first seen in the area of Borden Avenue and Terra Bella Street. Aerial footage captured the animal, estimated to be between 3 and 4 years old, scaling residential fences and foraging for snacks. At one point, the bear was observed calmly eating from dog bowls in a private backyard while local pets looked on from a safe distance.

School and Neighborhood Impact

As a precaution, officials placed the Sara Coughlin Elementary School campus on a brief lockdown to ensure the safety of students and staff while the bear was on the move. Neighbors watched from their windows as law enforcement and representatives from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) monitored the animal’s path through the Pacoima suburb.

"I think they come looking for food, but in a way, people panic, you know?" said Pacoima resident Isidro Mendoza. Despite the excitement, officials noted that the bear did not display any aggressive behavior toward humans or pets during its stroll.

The Rescue and Relocation

The situation reached a resolution after the bear was struck with a tranquilizer dart by CDFW personnel. The sedated animal was found motionless atop a fence, requiring officials to carefully lower the 275-pound bear and move it into a specialized transport trailer.

Before being released back into its natural habitat in the Angeles National Forest, the bear was ear-tagged for future identification. Experts believe this is likely the same bear that was spotted resting in trees near the Hansen Dam just a day prior. No injuries were reported to residents, pets, or the bear itself.

Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.