New Homeowners Discover Their Backyard Is a Bear’s Favorite Hangout Spot

When Ricardo and Brian went house hunting, they instantly fell in love with a stunning hilltop home. It had everything — a swimming pool, breathtaking views, and a National Forest literally in the backyard. It felt like a dream come true.

The realtor did warn them about one thing: the area was known for frequent bear activity. But Ricardo and Brian brushed it off. Bears? How often could that happen? So, they bought the house — and quickly realized they weren’t the only ones who loved it.

Within their first month of moving in, a furry neighbor wandered down from the forest for a visit.

“We’re the first house next to the National Forest,” Brian explained. “So naturally, we’re the first stop for the bears on their way down.”

They quickly learned to keep all doors and windows closed — just in case. But the real surprise? The bears weren’t just passing through — they were pool fans.

Yep, these massive, wild bears became regulars at the couple’s backyard pool. They’d take dips, play with the floaties, and even lounge around like they were on vacation.

One bear in particular stood out. She became such a frequent visitor that Ricardo and Brian gave her a name: Maddie Bear. Maddie loved the pool so much, she’d float around on an inflatable and sometimes even nap on it.

And it didn’t stop there. A few weeks later, Maddie brought her cubs. The backyard turned into a full-on bear daycare. While Maddie relaxed in the pool, her cubs ran around playing with balls and exploring.

At first, having bears that close was nerve-wracking. But now, Ricardo and Brian say it’s one of the wildest — and most amazing — parts of their new life. They’ve set up cameras to capture all the action, turning their backyard into a nature lover’s dream.

“It’s not exactly what we expected,” Brian laughed, “but we wouldn’t trade it for anything.”