A man in California has been getting regular visits from a bear, and his furry visitor only ever has one thing in mind when he drops by.
In a video captured on a Ring security camera and subsequently shared with Newsweek, a bear can be seen enjoying the delights of life in the front yard of a Los Angeles home back in July. The property belongs to James, a Ring customer who has become used to the same bear dropping by.
In the footage, the bear can be seen enjoying a relaxing soak in James’ pond. It has become something of a familiar sight.
“We’ve captured a bear taking a dip in our koi pond on camera several times—it’s become a regular visitor, along with raccoons and coyotes,” James said.
“At first, it was surprising, but now it’s just part of living in the area. The only downside is losing a few koi, but, thankfully, the wildlife tends to steer clear of us during the day.”
This isn’t the first time that a bear has paid an unexpected visit to a California home or even the first time one has chosen to take a dip in the pond.
Back in June, a Los Angeles homeowner was stunned to discover a black bear had entered their backyard. However, it was what the animal did next that has shocked internet users.
Another California resident had an even-closer encounter in November 2024 when they walked downstairs to find a huge bear rummaging around their kitchen on the hunt for food.
Then there was the strange case of the mysterious nighttime visitor to the backyard of a property in Reno, Nevada.
The homeowner was initially baffled when he noticed a significant change to the water levels and wildlife in his garden pond. It was only when he reviewed footage on his security camera that he realized he had received an unexpected nighttime visit from a giant bear intent on enjoying a well-earned soak.
Bear encounters are rare. In the event of an encounter, the California State Parks department recommends making yourself appear large and waving your arms while making a loud noise. Do not run. In the unlikely event a bear attacks, it is recommended that you fight back aggressively, though the authorities stress that attacks are “very rare.”
As of April 2025, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife estimates the state is home to over 60,000 black bears with that figure expected to rise in the following years.
Few, if any, are likely to enjoy the kind of treatment this particular bear enjoys, though.
Ring