A massive, 525-pound adult male bear was hiding there following the deadly 14,000-acre blaze, and preventing utility workers from restoring the home’s power. During fires, animals fleeing the flames often wander into densely human-populated areas.

Wildlife officials rescued a 525-pound bear found hiding underneath a home that was evacuated during the Eaton Fire. When evacuations were lifted and the owner of the Altadena home returned, their utility company said power couldn’t be restored since a large bear was residing in the crawl space where workers needed to access.

Wildlife officials rescued a 525-pound bear found hiding underneath a home that was evacuated during the Eaton Fire.