Mama bear and cubs still in tree and 'very scared,' official says

As news of a mother bear and two cubs near Altadena spread Thursday, a state wildlife department spokesman urged those hoping to get a glimpse of the tree-napping trio to stay away.

"The only way to help these bears right now is to back off," Department of Fish and Game spokesman Andrew Hughan said, noting the noise from news helicopters circling the 1400 block of Edgecliff Avenue. A resident there spotted the bears in his driveway about 8 a.m.

Soon afterward, the bears climbed a tree and settled down for a nap, Sgt. Debra Herman of the Altadena sheriff's station told The Times.

PHOTOS: Mother bear and cubs up a tree

Hughan said they were still in the tree and "very scared."

A Department of Fish and Game warden remains on scene with deputies, Hughan said. Officials have closed off the area to keep onlookers away.

"Because Mom's got two small bears with her, we just want to make sure everything goes OK," Herman said. "We don't want to get between Mom and her babies."

Hughan said there are no plans to tranquilize or otherwise remove the animals.

"We're hoping that it'll get dark and quiet and she and the cubs will crawl down and run away," he said.

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-- Kate Mather

Photo: A bear cub climbs a tree in an Altadena neighborhood. Credit: Raul Roa / Times Community News