ALTADENA, Calif. – A large black bear that had taken up residence beneath a Los Angeles-area home has been successfully removed after spending more than a month there.

Altadena homeowner Ken Johnson discovered the massive creature had settled under his house around Thanksgiving. The bear’s comings and goings disrupted gas lines and displaced bricks, while surveillance footage captured its ability to effortlessly bypass barriers and squeeze through a narrow entrance.

Initially, Johnson sought assistance from state wildlife officials, who attempted using air horns and paintball guns to dislodge the bear, but to no avail. Consequently, he reached out to the BEAR League, a California nonprofit dedicated to fostering coexistence with bears.

According to a social media update from the organization, an experienced responder ventured beneath the house to gently coax the hefty bear, weighing over 500 pounds (227 kilograms), to vacate the premises.

“I was amazed at how quickly it happened,” Johnson shared with KTLA. “The team went in, maneuvered behind the bear, and in no time, it was gone.”

The group then placed an “unwelcome” mat, which delivers an electric shock, at the opening. Video footage showed the bear returning to the house, stepping on the mat and then running away.

Messages were left Friday with Johnson and BEAR League.

Johnson said in a GoFundMe account he set up that the animal caused thousands of dollars in damage, which has been particularly tough to deal with because he lost his job after last year’s Eaton wildfire. He said he’s seeking to repair the damage and make his house livable again.