Bear Family Rescue
Firefighters safely rescue a mother bear and her cubs from a La Verne water cistern.
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Key Points
1
Hikers who heard the howling around 8 a.m. located the bears at the cistern and observed the mother bear at the opening, with one cub already escaping before rescue crews arrived.
2
There were conflicting early reports about how many cubs were in the family: some outlets described three cubs, while initial reports from others cited two cubs; the situation appeared to evolve as rescues progressed.
3
The operation involved a sizable response, with about 40 firefighters participating in the rescue efforts.
4
Rescuers used rotary saws to cut a hole in the cement lid and then lowered a ladder into the cistern to assist the bears in exiting.
5
The cistern belonged to the La Verne Fire Department, and authorities planned to secure the tank after the rescue to prevent future wildlife entrapments.
A mother black bear and her cubs were rescued from a large water cistern in La Verne on Saturday after hikers heard howling and called for help. LA Times reported that rescue crews from the La Verne and Los Angeles County Fire Departments, along with California Fish and Wildlife wardens, drained the tank and lowered a ladder so the bears could escape safely during a regional heat wave.
The operation unfolded near Claremont Wilderness Park after hikers discovered the trapped bears around 8 a.m. One cub had already escaped to a nearby tree before rescue teams arrived. SCV City Watch confirmed that all three bears were eventually freed and left the area on their own once outside the cistern.
Rescue Teams Deploy Heavy Equipment to Free Bears
About 40 firefighters responded to the cistern near Marshall Canyon to extract the trapped family. My News LA reported that rescue crews used rotary saws to cut through the concrete lid and widened a vent hole to create an exit path. A ladder was then lowered into the tank to help the bears climb out.
The cistern belonged to the La Verne Fire Department. California Fish and Wildlife wardens coordinated with firefighters to ensure the bears could escape without injury. Once the ladder was deployed, the mother bear and remaining cubs exited the tank and wandered away from the area.
Hikers' Quick Alert Sparked Swift Emergency Response
Runners and hikers in the area heard the bears' cries and spotted the mother at the cistern opening. Their rapid call to authorities set the rescue in motion around midday Saturday. WFLA noted that one cub had already escaped to a tree before rescue crews even arrived on scene.
The timing proved crucial during the scorching heat wave affecting Los Angeles. Authorities acted quickly to prevent further distress to the trapped animals. Video of the successful rescue circulated publicly, drawing attention to the dangers wildlife faces around human infrastructure.
Cistern to Be Secured Against Future Wildlife Entrapment
After all three bears were safely freed, officials announced plans to secure the cistern to prevent similar incidents. SCV City Watch reported that authorities recognized the structure posed an ongoing danger to wildlife in the area. The steps will include securing access points so no animal can fall in again.
The successful rescue demonstrated how community awareness and quick emergency response can protect wildlife. The bear family's escape reinforced the importance of securing equipment and infrastructure near hiking trails and natural habitats.
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