Video captures a bear nicknamed “Oreo” continually sneaking into homes in Monrovia and ransacking fridges.
The bear is seen typically roaming around a cul-de-sac located on Canyon Crest Drive.
While trying to enter one of the homes, the bear ripped a window screen off attempting to enter through the front window but was unsuccessful. It eventually found a way in through an open side door.
Another neighbor left her garage door open and the bear wasted no time exploring the property.
The bruin headed directly to the refrigerator and opened it up. It eventually found a box of chocolate cake which it quickly opened and began enjoying.
Although residents said bear sightings in the area are common, it’s still unnerving to know a bear could be waiting around the corner of their homes.
“We are very used to them,” said Vina Khoury, a resident. “We’ve never heard of a bear attack here before but still, when they’re too close or when it’s a mama bear with her little ones, you don’t want to be too close to them or scare them because you don’t know when they’re going to charge at you.”
The foothill community coexists with plenty of wildlife. Visitors can spot warning signs posted around the community noting the area is prone to bear sightings.
Despite being on alert, some bears are still able to outsmart security measures in their search for food.
On Saturday, the same bear was seen leaving a home holding a bag of Oreo cookies. It appeared to be unfazed as neighbors went out to watch the bear walking down the street.
“That’s why we named him Oreo,” Khoury said. “He’s not just roaming around. He’s actually going into the houses. So now, it’s a very scary thing to leave a window open or your backyard door open or anything.”
“A couple of months after we moved in, my dog came nose-to-nose with a bear at about 8 o’clock at night,” said Meg Linton, a resident. “That was very electrifying. I had a lot of adrenaline in that moment.”
Some residents, however, are not too concerned about the bear, accepting that they share the space with wildlife.
“The [bears] come by every Monday,” said neighbor Richard Mosteller. “They just walk by and beat up the trash cans, look for food and they’re pretty harmless.”
Several residents said they’re considering contacting wildlife experts to discuss whether the bear nicknamed “Oreo” should be relocated.