Bear family saved from Southern California water tank in hours-long rescue

A mother bear and her two cubs are safe after being trapped inside a concrete water tank at Marshall Canyon Regional Park in La Verne, California, for more than 12 hours.

The ordeal began early on the morning of Aug. 29, when a hiker stumbled upon the distressed animals during her daily walk. Her son, Tyler Christensen, later hiked two miles into the rugged terrain to check on the bears and found them huddled together, visibly frightened, inside the tank.

According to officials, the bears had apparently squeezed through a roughly one-foot-wide opening in the structure — likely in search of water or shelter — and then found themselves unable to get back out. As temperatures rose, concern grew for the animals' safety.

Firefighters and wildlife officials soon launched a rescue effort dubbed “Operation Care Bear.” Crews carefully widened the narrow opening and placed a ladder inside the tank, allowing the bears to climb out on their own. Video released by the Los Angeles County Fire Department shows the mother bear emerging first, followed by her two cubs, before the family disappeared back into the hills.

Rescues involving bears and man-made structures have become more common across Southern California as development encroaches on wildlife corridors and drought conditions push animals into populated areas in search of food and water. Local authorities reminded residents to secure trash bins and report sightings immediately, emphasizing that bears are typically more afraid of humans than we are of them.

No injuries were reported, and the bears were released without further intervention, officials said.