Bear family rescued from water tank in California

A mother bear and her three cubs were rescued after becoming trapped in a large water storage tank in La Verne, California, near the Claremont Wilderness Park. The animals were discovered by hikers who heard distressed sounds coming from the concrete structure.

Authorities believe the bears entered the tank through a narrow, one-foot-wide opening while seeking water during hot and humid weather. To prevent the animals from drowning, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife drained the tank.

During the rescue operation, one cub managed to escape on its own and was found safe in a nearby tree. Firefighters used a power saw to cut a larger access hole into the side of the tank and lowered a ladder to assist the mother bear and the remaining two cubs in climbing out safely.