It was supposed to be just another quiet morning in Monrovia, California. Zoe Cadman was going about her usual routine when something completely unexpected stopped her in her tracks.
Standing in her kitchen was a massive black bear, casually roaming around as if it owned the place.
The bear had likely been drawn to the home by the smell of food and found its way inside through an entryway. Zoe, understandably panicked, tried to scare the intruder off by making loud noises, clapping, and shouting in hopes that the bear would retreat. But the bear didn’t flinch. It seemed entirely unbothered by Zoe’s efforts and appeared ready to continue exploring the house.
With the bear in no hurry to leave, the situation was becoming increasingly tense. But help was on the way—from an unlikely and incredibly brave hero.
The Brave Heart of a Small Dog
Doodle, Zoe’s 17-year-old dog, wasted no time responding to the threat.
Despite his small size, advanced age, and the clear danger in front of him, Doodle fearlessly charged toward the much larger animal. The tiny senior dog barked fiercely, making it known that this was his house—and the bear was not welcome.
Surveillance footage captured the remarkable moment when Doodle confronted the bear head-on. His courage and determination far outweighed his little frame. What Zoe couldn’t achieve with all her noise and shouting, Doodle managed through sheer bravery.
Incredibly, the bear began to back away. It slowly retreated, step by step, and eventually turned around and exited through the same entryway it had used to come in.
Doodle had won.
“He’s 17 years old, but he didn’t hesitate for a second,” Zoe later said, proud of her tiny guardian.
Neighborhood Bears Becoming Bold
Encounters with black bears aren’t unusual for residents of Monrovia, a community that sits right along the edge of the San Gabriel Mountains. Locals are used to seeing bears wandering through the neighborhood, especially when fallen avocados and other easy food sources are nearby.
KC, one of Zoe’s neighbors, shared that while bears often come into the area, it’s rare to see one boldly entering homes.
“This mama bear is pretty brazen,” KC told KTLA. “She’s double-tagged, which means she’s been mischievous before.”
The bear that Doodle chased out wasn’t alone either. A mother bear and her cub had been seen lingering on Zoe’s property for nearly ten minutes. The pair eventually made their way out after neighbors worked together to open gates and create a safe exit.
These sightings are becoming more frequent as wildlife moves closer to residential spaces in search of food and water.
A Community Living With Wildlife
For many Monrovia residents, sharing their neighborhoods with wildlife has simply become part of daily life.
Sam Padilla, another local resident, recalled his own close encounter with a bear inside his home.
“It lunged at me from the refrigerator to the living room, which is about five feet. That thing was on me in seconds,” he told KTLA. Like Zoe, Sam resorted to banging pots and pans to drive the bear out.
Despite the danger, Sam doesn’t see the bear encounters as a reason to panic.
“I understand there’s like 30,000 bears in California,” he said. “They’re just going to keep coming back. If you don’t like it, move out.”
Wildlife experts continue to remind the public that while bears may appear adorable, they are still wild, unpredictable animals that can pose serious risks if approached.
Doodle’s Legacy
Doodle’s courageous stand quickly became the talk of the neighborhood. His story is a beautiful reminder that courage doesn’t come from size or strength—it comes from heart.
For Zoe, it was an unforgettable moment that proved just how fiercely our pets will protect us, even when the odds seem impossible.
Thanks to Doodle’s quick and fearless action, Zoe and her neighbors can rest a little easier, knowing that sometimes, even the smallest among us can stand tall.
