A 300-pound bear’s surprise visit to a California resident’s kitchen has left the community both amused and concerned. Jason Wightman, a Sierra Madre resident, found himself face-to-face with the unexpected guest while doing dishes on Tuesday evening. In a video shared on Facebook, Wightman can be seen cautiously addressing the bear, asking, “Hello, are you nice?” and politely requesting, “You’re in my house. Get out of my house, Mr. Bear!”
As the bear licked its lips, Wightman warned, “Bear, bear, bear, be nice!” before eventually spraying it with water and guiding it back outside, where he discovered a second bear had joined the first.
Unexpected Encounter with Nature
Wightman’s encounter with the bears was a surreal experience. “I didn’t even remember what I was saying,” he told KCAL News, “it was happening so fast. There was a bear in my kitchen.” Despite his initial shock, Wightman remained calm and tried to reason with the bears, telling them, “You alright? What you doing? I’m not going to hurt you guys, I just want you guys to move on.”
While bears can appear cute, Wightman acknowledged their unpredictable nature, stating, “They are cute animals, but they don’t have a cute disposition. Their disposition can change on a dime.”
Increasing Bear Sightings in Sierra Madre
Sierra Madre Deputy City Manager Laura Aguilar revealed that the area has seen a significant increase in bear sightings and home intrusions. In 2023 alone, over 370 bear sightings have been recorded, with more than 70 instances of bears entering people’s homes. So far this year, there have been 100 bear sightings and three home intrusions.
In response to the growing bear presence, the city has implemented measures such as providing bear-resistant trash cans and banning the feeding of wild animals.
Residents’ Perspectives on the Furry Visitors
While the bear encounters can be startling, some residents have grown accustomed to the furry visitors. Bruce Anderson, another Sierra Madre resident, shared his observations, saying, “They are usually still playing with each other. I have seen them on my outdoor furniture, for example. They just get on top of it and play around and then fall off the deck… It’s kind of cute.”
As the community navigates this unique coexistence with nature, a balance must be struck between appreciating the bears’ presence and ensuring the safety of both residents and wildlife.