Wildlife officials work to free three trapped bears in La Verne

LA VERNE, Calif. () — California Fish and Wildlife officials are trying to figure out how to free three bears trapped inside what appears to be a water cistern.

The bears were discovered Saturday by two cyclists who heard howling and what sounded like animals in distress at Marshall Canyon Trail in La Verne. They found the bears trapped and called for help.

The family that recorded video of the scene described what they saw.

“I just stuck my head in the hole. One was all tucked up on the top. There’s like a little pole. They were just scared to death,” Tyler Christensen said.

“I think the bears got very lucky because it would not be easy to hear that,” Bradney Boli said.

Because of the location and concerns for the animals’ safety, officials are urging the public to avoid the area while rescue efforts are underway.