By Mary O’KEEFE

Local television news stations have reported on the “beast of La Crescenta,” as coined by one station. The blurry video image of the beast appears to be a chimpanzee swinging from branch-to-branch in the brush and trees near the Lowell Avenue entrance/exit of the Foothill (210) Freeway and the Crescenta Valley YMCA.

According to reports by local CBS and ABC news stations, the video shot by Jacob Gardiner shows a blurry vision of an ape-like creature in the trees.

“It may be an ape of some kind but impossible to tell from the video,” said Andrew Hughan, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. “Exotic pets escape or are let go when they get to be too much to handle.”

This type of thing happens more in other states with less restrictive exotic animal laws than California, he added.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. – Crescenta Valley Station and Glendale Police Dept. have not received any reports of sightings; however, they have received inquiries. LASD, like Fish and Wildlife, does have some advice for residents if they encounter the “ape.”

Hughan stressed that chimps, no matter what size, can be very dangerous and can injure or even kill a human.

“[Do not] go out to look at it. If it is an escaped animal it may be scared, hungry, disoriented and not to be messed with,” he said. “If someone happens to come across it slowly back away, get back to your car and call 9-1-1.”

Residents in and around Crescenta Valley have gotten used to living with wildlife that includes bears, mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes, but a chimp is something new. As always, it is important to follow the advice of Fish and Wildlife and to be aware of one’s surroundings.

Hughan reminds residents regarding bears and any wildlife, it is important not to leave food outside, to secure trash, pick up dropped fruit (especially avocados – bears’ favorite), and to remember these animals may be cute but not cuddly. Don’t approach.

For more information visit www.keepmewild.com.

  Mary Okeefe