The bear was found in a crawl space under an Altadena home that had been evacuated during the Eaton fire, wildlife officials said.

The Eaton Fire in Southern California forced evacuations in Altadena, and when residents returned, one family discovered a 525-pound bear had taken refuge beneath their home.

A massive, 525-pound adult male bear was hiding there following the deadly 14,000-acre blaze, and preventing utility workers from restoring the home’s power. During fires, animals fleeing the flames often wander into densely human-populated areas.

Wildlife officials rescued a 525-pound bear found hiding under a home that was evacuated during the Eaton fire.

Wildlife officials rescued a 525-pound bear found hiding underneath a home that was evacuated during the Eaton Fire. When evacuations were lifted and the owner of the Altadena home returned, their utility company said power couldn’t be restored since a large bear was residing in the crawl space where workers needed to access.