On a scorching Friday afternoon, residents in a quiet Burbank neighborhood were taken by surprise when they spotted an unexpected visitor seeking respite from the hot summer weather. As the mercury soared to a peak of around 92 degrees, a curious bear was found taking a dip in a backyard spa.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the unusual spectacle unfolded in a hillside neighborhood, where one household discovered the bear lounging comfortably inside their spa. Witnesses described the scene as the bear sat with its paws propped up on the brick exterior, seemingly enjoying the cool water.
The Burbank Police Department promptly responded to the call, and representatives from the Burbank Animal Shelter and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were also dispatched to the scene. However, upon arriving, the officers found the bear had already decided to leave the water behind. After taking a quick dip to cool off, the bear casually rambled over a wall and deftly climbed up a nearby tree at the rear of the property.
Residents watched in awe as the bear made its graceful ascent, demonstrating the natural agility that these creatures possess. Authorities kept a close eye on the bear to ensure it remained safe and didn’t pose any threat to the residents.
Remarkably, the bear’s visit ended without any incident, as is often the case when wildlife wanders into Los Angeles neighborhoods. While bears and, on rare occasions, lions have been known to venture down from the mountains to explore the city, encounters like this are usually peaceful, and the animals return to their natural habitats without intervention.
The incident highlights the sweltering temperatures being experienced across the nation during the height of summer. Some individuals have pointed to global warming or climate change as a potential cause of extreme weather conditions. However, in his recent book, “Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn’t, and Why It Matters,” former Obama administration climate scientist Steven Koonin has challenged this perspective. He argues that while evidence of warming exists in recent decades, it is more pronounced in milder winters rather than hotter summers.
