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Black bear is given VERY on-brand nickname by locals as it breaks into California homes, raids kitchens, and leaves with one sweet treat
A four-legged bandit has been breaking into homes in a sleepy California neighborhood, making off with groceries and its all-time favorite snack: Oreos.
Neighbors on Canyon Crest Drive in Monrovia have grown accustomed to the sight of a hulking black bear strolling down the sidewalk, often with a sugary snack between its jaws.
On Saturday, the furry thief tore down a window screen at one home to nab a package of its namesake sandwich cookies. This came just a week after a different bear broke into that family's car and stole groceries.
'We are very used to them,' Monrovia resident Vina Khoury told KTLA.
Khoury's history with Oreo is personal. Last summer, the bear wandered into her garage, batted open the refrigerator and retrieved a box of chocolate cake.
A large black bear, nicknamed 'Oreo,' has become a frequent sight on Canyon Crest Drive in Monrovia, California
Neighbors have spotted the bear casually strolling through the neighborhood with packs of sugar cookies between its jaws
Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, residents of Monrovia often mingle with wildlife. Signs posted around the neighborhood warn unsuspecting visitors of bear sightings.
So common is Oreo's presence that residents will stand on their front porches to watch the bear make off with its spoils.
While Oreo has yet to show signs of aggression, Khoury says it is still worth being cautious.
'We’ve never heard of a bear attack here before but still, when they’re too close or when it’s a mama bear with her little ones, you don’t want to be too close to them or scare them because you don’t know when they’re going to charge at you,' she said.
And wildlife experts agree. While black bears are known for being shy and flighty, people are encouraged to keep their distance when bears are spotted in their backyards.
BearWise, an educational research that helps people live safely with the animals, instructs people to 'make loud noises, shout, or bang pots and pans together' to scare a bear off their property.
If the bear is encountered inside a building, it is important to give the animal a clear escape route.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife notes that the black bear is the only bear species living in the Golden State today.
They come in a range of colors and are often confused for grizzlies - like Oreo, their coats may range on the blonde or cinnamon side.
The furry bandit even broke into one resident's garage and rummaged through the fridge for a box of chocolate cake
Oreo and other bears will often wander down from the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains in spring, scavenging for trash and food
The four-legged thief tore down a window screen at one home to nab a package of its favorite sandwich cookies, just a week after another bear broke into that family's car
For years, Canyon Crest Drive has been frequented by California black bears as the weather grows warmer and the omnivores abandon their winter dens in search of food.
They often follow their nose into residential neighborhoods, lured by the scent of trash and anything else they can manage to scavenge.
So widespread is the problem that the City of Monrovia has posted a 'Bear Safety Guide' on its official website.
'The Monrovia Police Department would like to remind the public to act responsibly when in bear territory,' it reads.
Included among the 'Tips for Bear-Proofing Your Home' are waiting to put trash out until the morning of collection day, deodorizing garbage cans and keeping barbecue grills clean and tucked away when not in use.
Neighbors are discouraged from keeping food or trash in their cars and keeping doors and windows locked.
As the lines between nature and civilization continue to blur, there is a risk of animals becoming habituated to the presence of humans, causing property damage or risks to public safety.
But at the end of the day, it's important to remember they're just bears being bears.
'Throughout spring and summer, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife receive many calls when bears break into homes and rummage through trash bins,' the City website reads.
'These bears are often labeled “nuisance” bears, but in reality they are just doing what comes naturally to them - foraging for food.'
Several residents are considering talking with wildlife experts about whether the bear should be relocated, but nothing official has been set in motion. For the time being, Oreo stays.