A mother bear and her three cubs were rescued late Saturday, Aug. 29, after becoming trapped inside a large cistern in La Verne.
The bears had entered the concrete water tank through a vent hole. Los Angeles County firefighters and California Department of Fish and Wildlife wardens worked together to free the family near the 5-Mile Loop Trail in Claremont Wilderness Park.
Los Angeles County firefighters and state Fish and Wildlife workers rescue bear family from large cistern. (Photo courtesy of California Fish and Wildlife)
Bear rescue operation in La Verne
Authorities were called around 12 p.m. after people heard howling coming from the tank and went to investigate, according to a news release from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Officials initially reported that a mother bear and three cubs were trapped. One cub escaped and was found in a nearby tree when rescuers arrived, said Keith Navarre, spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department and state officials.
County firefighters cut an opening in the top of the concrete tank and lowered a ladder, allowing the mother bear and two remaining cubs to climb out, officials said. All four bears were safe and left the area on their own after they were freed at about 8 p.m.
It was unclear how long the bears had been inside the cistern. More than 40 rescuers took part in the operation, including members of the county’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, Navarre said.
Crews drained the water from the tank during the rescue and secured the cistern to prevent other animals from becoming trapped.
City News Service contributed to this report.
