Bear Spotted in Residential La Cañada Flintridge

The female black bear meandered through backyards and scared a trio of sunbathers before being sedated

A bear caught roaming through backyards in La Cañada Flintridge Monday afternoon has been sedated and is on her way back to the wild, according to animal control officials.

The bruin was spotted about 3 p.m. in the 4900 block of Crown Avenue. Presumably from the San Gabriel Mountains, the female black bear was also seen near Baptise Way and Crown Avenue.

Weighing about 100 pounds, the bruin was sedated and came to rest in an alleyway between two homes, another reminder of just how close the wild animal came to residents.

Earlier in the day, three residents were lounging poolside when the wayward bear meandered into the yard, scaring the trio into the house.

At least one neighborhood school -- Paradise Canyon Elementary School -- was locked down during the search. And dozens of residents, armed with smartphones, surrounded the cage as authorities worked to transport the bear out of their community (pictured below).

Residents were told to stay inside while agents attempted to tranquilize the bruin. Wildlife experts say if you see a bear, do not run. Calmly, quickly, get inside and wait for the animal -- which can run up to 35 mph -- to leave.

As temperatures rose into the triple digits in some areas Monday, the chances of wildlife -- specially bears -- coming down from the mountains in search of water and food also increased. Residents are urged to secure their garbage cans and any water they may keep outside.

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