I’m just a neighborhood black bear that you may or may not have seen meandering down Hillcrest or strolling on Oakglade. If you don’t already know, while I may seem big to you, me and my kind are actually the smallest and most widely distributed species of bears in North America.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your origin story. Where were you born and did you grow up here? Share a little about your childhood and your family.
In the 1930s, my great, great grandfather and his family of bears were released in the San Gabriel Mountains after officials found them eating from open trash bins in Yosemite. I was born about five years ago right here in a den high above Monrovia. My mom had me and my brother, who has now moved on to another area. I stayed close to home because that’s what I know! And guess what, now we eat YOUR trash, so moving us out of Yosemite may not have worked like they thought it would! While I love trash day, you could make it a lot harder for me and my fellow bears by not throwing food waste into your cans. We have plenty to eat where we live, but you guys make it way too easy for us!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Since I’m a bear, I’m not so sure I can have a career, but my favorite thing to do is to find pools to swim in during the summer. It’s so much fun! That, and finding people’s bird seed feeders to eat from.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Well I don’t think the restaurants in town would welcome me in, but I’ve tried a lot of leftovers from Alitalia Pizza and Jake’s, so I guess those would be on my list! Those pizza boxes and rib bones are quite tasty!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? Tell us about your favorite memory or experience living in Monrovia.
I’ve been wild and free for five years now. This isn’t a favorite memory, but that Bobcat fire scared the heck out of all of us, including all of you, I’m sure. Brush fires are awful, so please be fire safe!
Q: None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you’ve met here in our community who helped you get to where you are or inspired you?
My mom, of course. I mean where would I be without her? She taught me how to swim, how to know when it’s trash day, when to be afraid, and where all the bird feeders are located. She also taught me how to get honey out of bee hives. That’s a tricky and sticky situation.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Maybe back to see Yosemite, the land of my ancestors.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies of all time? Do you have a favorite TV show or shows?
Cocaine Bear Did you see it? It’s hilarious. Come on, bears don’t do drugs and neither should you
Q: What advice would you give to people? Do you have a Life Lesson quote?
Live and let live. Don’t mess with a mama bear. And don’t put food scraps in your trash can.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Swimming in a lake.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what music to listen to?
The Honeydrippers
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Canyon Park being damaged hurt all of us animals who live there. I hope it comes back to its old self soon.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Probably Yogi! I’d take him for a pic-a-nic in the park
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
You guys have great taste in trash! I also love all the oak trees. They are great for climbing on and sleeping in.
Q: Sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you’ve ever made?
Funny? I’m not sure it would be considered funny. But I tried crossing Foothill once and I hope never to try that again!
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I knew Goldilocks! FYI, she didn’t really like porridge!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Monrovia, of course.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Staying alive
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Bird seed and honey
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Mother Nature
Q: If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
Respect our planet. Pick up your trash. What you carry in, carry out. Let wildlife stay wild. Don’t feed coyotes, deer or bear. You’re not doing us any favors.
Q: Finally, what three character traits come to mind when you think of your success in life?
I’m cute! I’m cuddly looking! And I’m a great swimmer.
