Black Bear Encounter Injures Woman in Monrovia

A woman was injured Saturday morning after being approached by a black bear while walking her dog in Monrovia, California. The incident, described by police as unusual, occurred on the 700 block of Oakglade Drive around 9:20 a.m.

Details of the Attack

According to Monrovia Police Lt. Kevin Oberon, the bear “kind of charged” the woman before swiping at her with its claw, striking the back of her knee. She received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

Increasing Bear-Human Interactions

While bear sightings are common in areas near the San Gabriel Mountains, attacks on humans remain rare. California is home to an estimated 60,000 black bears, the largest population in the contiguous United States. However, encounters are becoming more frequent as human populations expand into bear habitats.

Lt. Oberon, in his 23 years with the police department, stated he had never encountered a bear attacking a person in this manner. Recent incidents highlight a troubling rise in bear-human conflicts. Earlier this year, a black bear responsible for multiple home break-ins in Sierra Madre was euthanized. Just months prior, another bear was discovered living under a house in Altadena.

Possible Contributing Factors

Experts suggest that the 2025 Eaton fire in Altadena may have contributed to the increase in encounters. The fire likely displaced bears from their natural environment, driving them into neighborhoods in search of food and water.

Safety Precautions

Authorities urge residents in areas near bear habitats to take precautions to avoid attracting bears. These include securing food sources and locking trash bins. Bears are strongly motivated by food, and easy access to it can lead to increased interactions with humans.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife has been notified and is addressing concerns about these encounters.