Los Angeles suburb mourns after local mama bear Blondie is euthanized

Monrovia residents protested after the California Department of Fish and Wildlife euthanized a local black sow known as Blondie following a swiping incident; her two cubs were moved to the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center.

Residents of Monrovia reacted with protest and mourning after the California Department of Fish and Wildlife euthanized a local black bear known as Blondie. The euthanasia followed a March 14 incident in which the bear swiped at a person walking a dog, and DNA testing linked the captured bear to a prior porch attack. Local advocates had circulated a petition and held a memorial walk after the bear's capture and death. The episode has prompted calls locally for more transparency and review of how public-safety decisions about bears are made. Known details: - Officials with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) said the euthanasia followed a behavioral assessment and that the cubs were not present during the swiping incident. - DNA testing reportedly linked the captured bear to a previous porch attack on an elderly resident. - Blondie was euthanized and her two male cubs were transferred to the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center for rehabilitation. - The wildlife team said the cubs are doing well and could be released in the fall or next spring. Summary: The euthanasia of Blondie has prompted petitions, a two-mile memorial walk, and local calls for greater transparency from the CDFW. Officials have described the decision as based on an assessment of public safety and bear behavior. Blondie's cubs are in care at the Ramona Wildlife Center and may be released later this year or next spring.