Bear family rescued from water tank in La Verne after being trapped inside.
A mother bear and her cub were successfully rescued late Saturday, August 29, after becoming trapped in a large cistern in La Verne, California. The bear family had entered the cistern through a vent hole and found themselves unable to escape. The incident prompted an immediate response from local authorities, including firefighters from Los Angeles County and La Verne, as well as wardens from California Fish and Wildlife.
The cistern, which belongs to the La Verne Fire Department, is located near the 5-Mile Loop Trail within the Claremont Wilderness Park. At approximately noon, residents reported hearing distress sounds coming from the water tank, leading to the investigation by the authorities. Initial reports indicated that a mother bear and two cubs were trapped; however, upon arrival, rescuers discovered that one of the cubs had escaped and was observed in a nearby tree.
In a coordinated effort, firefighters made a substantial opening in the top of the tank and positioned a ladder to facilitate the exit of the two remaining bears. After their rescue, all three bears departed the area independently. As of the latest updates, it remains unclear how long the bears had been confined within the cistern.
During the rescue operation, personnel from La Verne Fire Department took the precautionary measure of draining the water from the cistern. Additionally, steps are being implemented to secure the tank to prevent future incidents involving wildlife. Officials did not release further information about the bears or the circumstances leading to their entrapment by the end of the day.
The successful containment and rescue of the bear family highlight the importance of prompt action by local authorities in addressing wildlife-related emergencies. With residents increasingly interacting with natural habitats, it remains crucial to raise awareness about wildlife safety and the potential hazards that creatures may encounter in urban settings. Ongoing efforts will focus on ensuring that wildlife can coexist safely within human populations, as exemplified by this incident in La Verne.
Media News Source
