A neighborhood in Monrovia, California, is grappling with an unusual intruder: a black bear with a penchant for Oreo cookies.
This bear, affectionately nicknamed “Oreo” by residents, has become a regular sight on Canyon Crest Drive, where it has been raiding homes and cars searching for food.
Residents have grown used to seeing Oreo stroll down the street, often clutching sugary snacks. Just last Saturday, the bear broke into a home through a window screen to steal a pack of its namesake cookies.
This incident followed another break-in a week earlier when a different bear raided the same family’s car for groceries.
A resident, Vina Khoury, shared her experiences with KTLA, recalling how Oreo once entered her garage, opened the refrigerator, and made off with a chocolate cake.
“We are very used to them,” Khoury said, reflecting the community’s resigned acceptance of these wildlife encounters.
Monrovia’s location at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains means interactions with wildlife are daily.
The neighborhood features warning signs about bear sightings, and residents often watch from their porches as Oreo forages for food.
Despite Oreo’s non-aggressive behavior, Khoury advises caution, especially around mother bears with cubs.
Wildlife experts echo this sentiment. While black bears are typically shy, keeping a safe distance is essential.
BearWise, an organization dedicated to promoting safe coexistence with bears, recommends making loud noises to scare bears away and ensuring they have a clear escape route if found indoors.
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the black bear is the only bear species in the state.
These bears can vary in color, sometimes resembling grizzlies, with coats that range from blonde to cinnamon hues.
As temperatures rise and black bears leave their winter dens, they follow food scents into residential areas, often rummaging through trash.
The City of Monrovia has addressed this issue by posting a “Bear Safety Guide” on its website, advising residents to bear-proof their homes.
Recommendations include putting out trash only on collection day, deodorizing garbage cans, and keeping grills clean and stored away. Residents are also urged to keep food and trash out of cars and to lock doors and windows.
The increasing interactions between humans and bears raise concerns about habituation, property damage, and public safety risks.
Despite these challenges, the community understands that bears follow their instincts.
While some residents contemplate consulting wildlife experts about relocating Oreo, no official plans exist.
For now, Oreo roams Canyon Crest Drive, much to its human neighbor’s fascination and occasional frustrations.
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