'Meatball' the bear returns to foothill area

LA CRESCENTA, LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Neighbors and California Department of Fish and Game officials said they believe this is the same bear they found snacking on garbage in the neighborhood in May.

La Crescenta resident Kelly MacDonald spotted 'Meatball' on Sunday. He was given the name for once eating meatballs stored in a refrigerator in a garage.

MacDonald says she noticed the bear's tag, No. 210. That's the number he was given by authorities last month when he was tranquilized and taken about 25 miles into the forest.

Andrew Hughan of the California Department of Fish and Game said they were not planning on going after the bear again. Hughan said residents should do their part.

"It's important that the folks there keep their trash picked up," he said.

See photos of the black bear roaming around a Montrose neighborhood.

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