Bear And Three Cubs Rescued From Water Filled Cistern At California Park

A mother bear and three cubs were rescued after falling into a concrete cistern filled with water at Marshall Canyon Regional Park.

Firefighters and California wildlife officials responded late Saturday night after runners on the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park’s 5-Mile Loop Trail heard howling and whimpering coming from the area.

The runners followed the sounds to the large water tank and found the mother bear inside. The cistern was full of water, forcing her to stand and lean against the wall to stay above it.

Firefighters and California Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel drained the cistern to prevent the bears from drowning.

One cub managed to climb out on its own. The mother and the other two cubs escaped after rescuers enlarged the opening at the top and lowered a ladder into the cistern.

Fish and Wildlife officials said the water tank is now being secured to prevent future wildlife incidents.