The Santa Monica Mountains are a known home to plenty of wildlife, but this summer, someone new has moved into Malibu -- a black bear made a solid appearance on a resident's trail camera last week.
Benton Ward, who lives about 2 miles from the coast on Corral Canyon Road, told NBC4 that he set up wildlife cameras to capture video of unsuspecting mountain lions, bobcats, foxes and coyotes -- but he never expected a bear to trespass across his property.
"I think it's pretty fascinating," said Ranger Kate Kuykendall of the National Park Services. "It's really rare to have a bear south of the 101 Freeway in the Santa Monica Mountains."
Kuykendall says their trail cameras have also caught the bear in action two times this summer, on June 10 in Zuma/Trancas Canyon, and then on June 22 in Malibu Creek State Park.
"Whether it actually physically crossed the 101 Freeway, or whether it found some kind of underpass or other way to get to the other side, we're not sure," she said.
The age and gender of the bear was unknown, but Kuykendall said it looks healthy.
"It's been really exciting in the office," she said. "I think this is a good indication. It's good testament to the health of the ecosystem."
