Bear breaks into Sierra Madre home, creates chaos over weekend

A family in Sierra Madre experienced a shocking incident when a bear broke into their home over the weekend, causing significant chaos. The bear entered through a side window and rummaged through the family's belongings, leaving a trail of destruction. Sara Alden captured footage of the bear as it sauntered away from the house, revealing toppled furniture and a slightly ajar refrigerator. Among the mess was a large block of beeswax, which showed signs of the bear's intrusion with claw marks and chunks missing. Residents of Sierra Madre have noted an increase in bear encounters over the past five years, raising concerns about safety. While some locals, like Amanda Garcia, have adapted to the presence of bears, carrying bells to deter them, others feel that the situation has escalated. Gloria Nestlerode, a long-time resident, expressed her worries after the break-in, suggesting that some bears may need to be relocated to prevent further incidents. The Alden family, who have lived in the area for nearly two decades, are particularly alarmed by the bear's behavior. They fear that the increasing comfort of bears around human homes could lead to dangerous encounters. Sara Alden voiced her concerns about the potential for injury or worse, emphasizing the need for a solution to the growing bear population in the area. As the community grapples with the reality of living alongside these wild animals, the balance between coexistence and safety remains a pressing issue. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by residents in areas where wildlife and human habitats intersect.