Bear caught in industrial LA neighborhood, traveled 60 miles from Angeles National Forest

A bear was captured in a northwest Los Angeles neighborhood Tuesday after roaming the San Fernando Valley for a day.

The adult female black bear was tranquilized in Chatsworth around 11 a.m. local time after climbing a tree in an industrial section of the neighborhood, according to California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials. Local television stations reported that the action drew a small crowd.

The department borrowed mats from a local gym to ensure the bear fell safely.

The bear was first spotted near the Chatsworth Courthouse around 10 a.m. Monday, according to KTLA. The department set a trap for the bear in the nearby neighborhood of Northridge that evening.

California Fish and Wildlife told USA TODAY that the bear had been transferred to a more suitable habitat in the Angeles National Forest.

"It's entirely possible that with the activity was going on today, perhaps that it will be an unpleasant experience and an unpleasant memory for that animal," Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Tim Daly said. "Maybe it's more appealing to just stay out of that in the wild, but we just won't be able to know until we keep monitoring that collar and seeing where it goes."

Chatsworth bear roamed from Angeles National Forest

Tuesday's encounter was not the first time Fish and Wildlife officials have captured this bear.

The bear was captured and tagged on May 31 in the city of Claremont, approximately 60 miles east of Chatsworth. The bear was released into the Angeles National Forest and tracked heading west towards Malibu before turning around towards Chatsworth.

The bear was likely moving to find food water or shelter, according to Daly, and the department is likely to keep a closer eye on the bear.

"We'll be probably a little more curious than maybe on other bears to see what this one is doing," Daly said.

What to do if you encounter a black bear

Bear attacks are rare, according to the National Parks Service, as bears that approach people are primarily interested in protecting their food, cubs, or space.

The NPS advises that if one encounters a black bear that they should remain calm and speak in a low, controlled manner so as to not provoke the bear.

If a black bear attacks the Service says to not play dead and fight back. If possible, attempt to find safety in a secure location