El Dorado County (Jan 13, 2025) – In the early hours of Thursday morning, a Foresthill, California, family was surprised to discover that their backyard pool had hosted an unexpected visitor. Home security footage revealed a bear taking a leisurely swim around 2 a.m., despite the chilly January temperatures.
Homeowner Leslie Schmid recounted her astonishment: “We don’t have a heater in our pool, so it’s got to be cold water.” She noted that the same bear had been spotted enjoying their pool during the summer months, making this winter visit particularly unexpected.
Peter Tira, a spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, explained that not all bears in California hibernate during the winter. Access to human-provided food sources, such as trash, can disrupt their natural hibernation patterns. “It’s a very slippery slope because once they learn to associate people and neighborhoods with food, they get bolder and bolder to get that food,” Tira stated.
This incident serves as a reminder to residents in El Dorado County and surrounding areas to remain vigilant about securing potential food sources and to be aware of wildlife activity year-round.
Have you had any unexpected wildlife encounters in your area? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
For a closer look at the bear’s late-night swim, watch the footage below:
