Resilience

Big Boy, the 525-pound black bear who survived the Eaton Fire, has been relocated after taking shelter under an Altadena home. Wildlife officials, knowing he wouldn’t leave on his own, set up a humane trap just outside the property, baiting it with honey, peanut butter, raw chicken, and leftover pastries. After a night of waiting, Big Boy stepped into the steel enclosure, triggering the door behind him.
He showed no signs of aggression, only brief confusion as he settled onto the straw-lined floor. Officials monitored him to ensure he was unharmed before transporting him deep into the Angeles National Forest, away from homes and wildfire danger.

REFUGE

We all seek shelter –
massive hearts beating
beneath wooden floors,
between concrete and earth.

Who hasn’t hidden
from something larger than themselves,
drawn by the scent of sweetness,
following ancient instincts?

We are all big boys lost,
all creatures seeking passage
through this scorched world,
dreaming of deep forests.

Between fire and freedom
lies a door we must choose,
honey-scented courage,
and faith in those who understand
that even the mightiest need
a gentle way back.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​