Confused Bear Brings Traffic To A Standstill On Busy California Freeway

Residents of Santa Clarita experienced a not-so-normal traffic jam this week, brought on by a furry friend who just wanted to be apart of the action!

A bear wandering onto a busy freeway in Santa Clarita, California, brought traffic to a standstill on Tuesday evening (May 14). According to KTLA , the incident occurred shortly after 7:00 p.m. on the 14 Freeway near Newhall Avenue. The bear was seen walking on the freeway, pausing to look around, and then heading back towards the hills.

Motorists showed patience and compassion for the bear, which appeared to be a little confused, according to a video recorded by a witness, @dan-kanes, and shared with KTLA . Morning News anchor Chris Schauble was among those caught in the traffic backup. He initially thought there had been an accident, only to discover that a bear was the cause of the delay.

Wildlife experts note that spring is the time of year when bears leave their winter dens in search of food. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife advises residents to contact local law enforcement if a bear is spotted in a residential area. For casual sightings in nature, the agency has a Wildlife Incident Reporting System on its website .

See photos of the bear-fueled traffic jam via KTLA !