Scottish couple come face-to-face with bear on holiday in California
Man did not notice bear until he felt 'something brush against his leg'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Scottish couple on holiday in California escaped unscathed after they came face-to-face with a bear outside their suburban holiday home.
CCTV footage captured Bob and Irene McKeown calmly locking the door of the house in Pasadena, unaware of the large animal watching them from just feet away.
Mr McKeown told a local television station he was oblivious to the bear until he and his wife were almost at the car.
He only realised the animal had been creeping up on them when he felt “something brush against his leg”.
“Once I closed the door, I turned round and I shouted: ‘It's a bear, it's a bear. No,’” he added.
The video then shows him fumbling with his keys, desperately trying to get back into the house.
Fortunately, the only injury he suffered was a small cut needing a plaster.
Emergency services and wildlife officials armed with guns had been tracking a bear around the neighbourhood for days before the encounter at 4pm on Thursday.
Authorities have not confirmed it is the same bear but residents said a similar-looking animal arrived on Tuesday, when rubbish collections are due.
Film footage had showed it rolling around and frolicking in gardens, even gnawing on a fence.
Officials are monitoring it until it returns to its natural habitat in woodlands and have warned members of the public to keep a safe distance.
Only 12 bear attacks have been officially recorded in California since 1980. They can be dangerous if provoked and are treated with caution.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments