Bear Rescue in La Verne | How the Family Was Saved

Rescue Operation in the San Gabriel Valley

A mother bear and her two cubs were rescued from a large water tank near the 5-Mile Loop Trail at Claremont Wilderness Park in La Verne on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Hikers discovered the trapped animals after hearing distinct howling sounds coming from the structure. The runners approached the tank, which is maintained by the La Verne Fire Department, and looked through an opening at the top to find the bears struggling to remain afloat.

Jamie Kirk, one of the runners who found the bears, described the initial moments of the discovery. Looking inside the tank, he found himself face-to-face with an adult black bear located just three feet below the rim. The water level inside the tank necessitated quick intervention by local authorities to prevent the animals from drowning. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife quickly arrived on the scene to coordinate the rescue effort.

Execution of the Rescue

One cub managed to exit the tank on its own before rescue crews arrived. It was later spotted in a nearby tree, where it remained safe. Firefighters focused their attention on the mother bear and the remaining cub, who were still trapped in the water. The team worked to widen a hole in the top of the tank to provide a clear path for the bears to climb out. Once the opening was ready, they lowered a ladder into the structure to give the animals a way to reach the surface.

Department of Fish and Wildlife officials monitored the situation as the bears utilized the ladder to climb out of the tank. After reaching the top, the mother and her cub quickly exited the area and retreated into the surrounding wilderness. The department confirmed that all three bears were safe and uninjured following the ordeal. The incident highlights the common intersection between urban infrastructure and local wildlife in the San Gabriel Valley area.

Preventing Future Incidents

Following the rescue, the La Verne Fire Department took immediate action to secure the water tank. Crews drained the remaining water to ensure the site would not pose a further threat to local animals. The department is taking steps to cover the tank and reinforce it against future wildlife intrusions. This event serves as a reminder for park visitors to remain observant of their surroundings.

Bear sightings and encounters are common in the mountainous regions of Southern California, especially during the hot summer months when water sources become scarce. Hikers in the Claremont Wilderness Park area should stick to marked trails and keep distance if they spot wildlife. The swift response from the hikers who reported the howling and the subsequent actions of the fire department ensured a positive outcome for the bear family. The area remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and local officials continue to monitor wildlife movement as the season continues.