In the quiet foothills of Monrovia, California, residents have grown used to unexpected visitors from the nearby San Gabriel Mountains — but none quite like “Oreo,” a black bear with a very specific taste: Oreo cookies.

For months now, Oreo has roamed Canyon Crest Drive, sauntering through yards and driveways as though he owns the neighborhood. Locals have spotted him on security cameras, casually rummaging through trash bins or slipping into open garages, always on the hunt for something sweet.

Last Saturday, Oreo made headlines again when he broke into a home through a window screen, heading straight for a pack of his favorite cookies — the very snack that earned him his name. The family returned to find cookie crumbs, pawprints, and a wide-open window.

It wasn’t Oreo’s first heist. Just a week earlier, another bear — possibly a friend or rival — raided the same family’s car, stealing groceries left inside. One resident, Vina Khoury, told KTLA that Oreo had once wandered into her garage, opened her refrigerator, and stole a chocolate cake before disappearing back into the hills.

“We’re very used to them,” Khoury said with a laugh. “They’re part of life here now.”

🐾 A Bear Among Neighbors

Monrovia’s location at the base of the mountains means wildlife encounters are common, but Oreo has become something of a local celebrity. Children peek from porches to catch a glimpse of him, and social media groups often share his latest “adventures.”

Despite his sweet tooth and surprising gentleness, residents have been reminded to stay cautious. Wildlife experts warn that bears, especially mothers with cubs, can be unpredictable if startled.

Organizations like BearWise have stepped in to educate locals on how to coexist safely with bears — by making loud noises to scare them off, ensuring bears have a clear escape route, and securing trash bins to prevent food temptations.

🍪 The Science Behind the Visits

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, black bears are the only bear species in the state. Their coats can vary in color — from black to cinnamon or even blonde — sometimes causing confusion with grizzlies.

As warmer weather returns, bears emerge from hibernation and follow the scent of food into residential areas. The rich smells of trash, pet food, and yes, sweet treats like Oreos, are nearly irresistible to them.

To address the problem, the City of Monrovia has released a “Bear Safety Guide” urging residents to:

• Put trash out only on collection day,

• Deodorize garbage cans,

• Keep grills clean and stored,

• Avoid leaving food in cars,

• Lock doors and windows.

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🌄 A Delicate Balance

While Oreo’s antics have brought laughter and curiosity, experts caution that growing human-bear interactions can lead to serious risks — property damage, safety concerns, and the danger of bears losing their natural fear of humans.

Still, in Monrovia, people seem to understand that Oreo isn’t a threat — just a hungry visitor following instinct. Some residents have even joked that he’s “just another neighbor with a sweet tooth.”

For now, Oreo continues his nightly strolls, moving silently between backyards and driveways, a symbol of the delicate balance between wild nature and suburban life.

And somewhere in the dark, under the California stars, a bear with cookie crumbs on his fur reminds everyone that even in the modern world, the wild is never too far away.