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 underneath a home that was evacuated during the Eaton Fire.

After assessing the crawl space and size of the bear, wildlife officials said they determined tranquilizing the bear was not an option.

A California man returned to his Altadena home after the Eaton Fire and discovered a 525-pound bear had taken up residence in his crawlspace.