Kenneth Johnson, who lives in Altadena, California, claims the animal has been living in his crawlspace since November and that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has failed to resolve the situation, leaving him considering legal action for negligence and emotional distress.

Johnson told local media that the bear is known to wildlife officials and has previously been tagged, but that state intervention has tailed off. “This has gone on long enough,” he said, adding that the bear is “just going to keep on doing this”.

CDFW rejects the allegation that it has disengaged. In a statement, the department said it has been in constant communication with Johnson despite limited staffing, and has taken multiple steps including setting baited traps, installing cameras and lights, and repeatedly attempting to haze the bear away.

Johnson first realised a bear was involved after noticing damage around his property and later capturing footage of the animal squeezing into the crawlspace. While he does not believe the bear intends to harm him, he said its presence has made everyday life uncomfortable.

An attempted capture in December failed after the wrong bear was trapped.