Firefighters drained the La Verne cistern, enlarged an opening and lowered a ladder that allowed the stranded bears to climb to safety.
LA VERNE, CA — Firefighters and state wildlife officers rescued a mother black bear and two of her cubs from a large water cistern in the Southern California foothills after the animals became trapped Saturday, Aug. 29, while a third cub escaped before crews arrived.
The rescue unfolded near Marshall Canyon Regional Park and the Claremont Wilderness Park’s 5-Mile Loop Trail after people in the area heard distressed sounds coming from the tank. Responders from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, La Verne Fire Department and California Department of Fish and Wildlife worked for hours to create a safe escape route for the animals.
Officials said the bear family apparently entered the concrete cistern through a small vent opening but could not get back out. One of the three cubs managed to leave the tank on its own before rescuers reached the scene and remained nearby while its mother and two siblings were still trapped.
Rescuers first drained water from the cistern to reduce the danger to the animals. An Urban Search and Rescue team then enlarged an opening in the concrete structure and placed a ladder inside. Crews backed away to give the bears room to leave without having people close to them.
The two trapped cubs climbed out first, followed by their mother. Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Keith Navarre told local media that responders left the immediate area and allowed each bear to make its way out. The animals then returned to the surrounding wilderness, and no injuries to rescuers were reported.
The operation drew more than 40 firefighters, according to reports citing fire officials. The response required crews to work around both the confined concrete structure and the bears themselves, while wildlife officers helped manage the risk of working near a protective mother bear and her young.
The animals were discovered during a period of unusually hot weather in the area. The Los Angeles Times reported that La Verne reached about 97 degrees Saturday. Officials said thirst may have led the bears toward the water source, although authorities have not established exactly why the family entered the cistern or how long it had been inside before being found.
People on the trail reported hearing sounds from the tank Saturday morning and traced them to the cistern. The mother bear was in water with the cubs when they were spotted. Wildlife officials were notified later in the day, setting off the multiagency response that continued into the evening.
The rescue was referred to by first responders as “Operation Care Bear.” Video released after the operation showed bears climbing the ladder and pulling themselves through the enlarged opening before moving into nearby vegetation. The third cub that had escaped earlier was also reported safe, leaving the mother and all three cubs out of the tank.
Authorities said the cistern was being secured after the rescue to prevent bears or other wildlife from becoming trapped there again. Officials had not announced any additional intervention involving the bear family, which left the area on its own after the operation.
Author note: Last updated Sept. 2, 2026.