Unexpected Intruders
On March 12, 2025, Anju Kapoor experienced an unexpected and wild break-in at her Claremont, California home. A bear and its cub managed to sneak into her house, ransacking the kitchen for food. Initially, Kapoor mistook the disturbance for squirrels, but a trail of pistachio shells soon led her to check her security cameras—revealing the surprising truth: it was a bear.
Stealthy Raid and Damage
The bear managed to enter Kapoor’s home unnoticed, even while she was in the next room. Authorities believe the bear sliced open a window screen during the break-in, gaining access to the kitchen. Once inside, the bear helped itself to a fridge full of fruits, nuts, and meats. Despite the chaos, Kapoor remained calm and took swift action to handle the situation.
Calm and Measured Response
After realizing what had happened, Kapoor promptly contacted Animal Control and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Following their advice, Kapoor took precautionary steps to prevent further visits from the bears. She placed ammonia-soaked rags around entry points, as the strong smell can deter bears due to their highly sensitive sense of smell.
Bear Sightings on the Rise
Cort Klopping, a spokesperson for the CDFW, pointed out that bear sightings are occurring earlier than usual this year due to the unseasonably warm Southern California heat wave. This earlier-than-expected bear activity has raised concerns about potential encounters between wildlife and residents in the area.
