In a surprising turn of events, a Monrovia, California resident Zoë Cadman recently experienced a late-night encounter with a full-sized black bear that wandered into her home. Captured by security cameras, the incident unfolded around midnight on June 14, when the bear, initially seen roaming in Cadman’s backyard, made its way into her kitchen. The bear’s unexpected presence not only startled Cadman but also led to a dramatic confrontation with her 17-year-old dog, Doodle, who would ultimately play a key role in the unfolding drama.
As the bear explored Cadman’s kitchen, it curiously sniffed around various items, providing a surreal moment for the homeowner, who was awakened by the commotion. While Cadman described the shock of seeing a bear so close—just ten feet from her bed—her instinctive reaction was to confront the situation. In a moment of spontaneity, she ran out of the house in surprise, but it was Doodle who took charge, barking and growling at the bear, demonstrating the protective instincts of a true guardian.
The security footage reveals Doodle’s courageous stance against the much larger bear, who seemed curious yet unprovoked. Doodle’s actions prompted the bear to follow him out of the kitchen, illustrating the dynamics of animal behaviors in such unusual encounters. This segment of the footage captures a unique interaction between a domesticated dog and a wild bear, which typically might result in chaos, yet in this instance, Doodle managed to assert his authority as the undeterred protector of the home.
Cadman shared her experience on social media, humorously reflecting on the surreal nature of the situation, stating that she did not think to grab her phone during the encounter but instead acted instinctively. Her Facebook post highlighted both the humor and fear associated with the situation, as she recounted waking in disbelief to find a bear raiding her fridge. This anecdote resonates with many who appreciate the blend of wildlife encounters and domestic life, illustrating the potential for unpredictable interactions in suburban areas close to nature.
Earlier this year, a somewhat similar incident occurred in Kentucky, where homeowners had a bear crash through their ceiling after likely maneuvering a ladder. The event underscores the increasing visibility of wildlife in residential areas and raises questions about bear behavior and safety in proximity to human habitats. Authorities have continued to educate the public on wildlife interactions and encourage precautions to mitigate risks associated with such encounters.
As of now, Cadman and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife did not provide further comments regarding the incident. Nevertheless, the encounter has caught widespread attention, sparking a mix of amazement and concern regarding wildlife safety. The tale of bravery exhibited by Doodle amidst the continued encroachment of wildlife serves as a poignant reminder of the relationship between humans and animals living on the fringes of their respective territories.
