Imagine getting ready for a relaxing morning by your backyard pool, only to discover that someone else has already claimed it.
That is exactly what happened to the Basso family in Rockaway Township, New Jersey, when a family of black bears wandered into their backyard on a hot summer morning. Instead of finding an empty pool waiting for them, the family discovered a mother bear and her five cubs cooling off in the water and exploring the children’s outdoor play equipment.
The unexpected wildlife encounter was captured on video, giving viewers a remarkable look at a group of young bears enjoying a backyard adventure.
A Mother Bear and Five Cubs Take Over the Pool
The bear family appeared to be making the most of the cool water.
While the mother bear relaxed in the swimming pool, her cubs explored their surroundings. Some of the young bears played and wrestled in the water, while others investigated the children’s swing and slide set.
For the bears, the backyard seemed to have everything they needed for a temporary summer playground.
The mother bear remained nearby while her cubs moved around, appearing to keep watch over them as they enjoyed their unexpected pool day.
The Family Had Very Different Reactions
The Basso family’s reactions to their unusual visitors made the encounter even more memorable.
At first, the family’s child was fascinated by the sight of the bear cubs. Watching several baby bears playing in the backyard sounds exciting—until the cubs started taking an interest in the family’s pool floats.
The child’s excitement reportedly turned into concern as the bears began playing with the floaties.
The adults had another reason to worry. With several large animals climbing into the pool and moving around the backyard, there was a good chance that the family’s outdoor belongings—and potentially the pool itself—could be damaged.
Still, seeing a mother bear and five cubs so close to home was an extraordinary sight.
The Bears Didn’t Just Use the Pool
The swimming pool wasn’t the only attraction.
The curious cubs also explored the backyard play equipment, climbing onto the family’s swing and slide set. Young bears are naturally curious and playful, and almost anything in an unfamiliar environment can become something worth investigating.
Their playful behavior made the scene look almost like a family outing, although these were wild animals rather than domesticated pets.
Meanwhile, the mother bear appeared to be enjoying the cool water while keeping track of her cubs.
A Dangerous Moment Involving the Pool Equipment
Although much of the encounter looked amusing, there was also a potentially dangerous moment.
At one point, the mother bear reportedly became interested in the pool’s electric pump. She grabbed the equipment and moved it toward the water.
Because electrical equipment and water can create a serious shock hazard, this quickly became a frightening situation for the family.
Fortunately, the situation was brought under control and nobody was injured.
The incident is an important reminder that even a funny-looking wildlife encounter can become dangerous within seconds.
Why Would Bears Visit a Backyard Pool?
Black bears are strong, intelligent, and highly adaptable animals. During hot weather, water sources can become particularly attractive.
A backyard may also contain other things that interest bears, including:
- Swimming pools and ponds
- Bird feeders
- Pet food
- Garbage and food waste
- Fruit trees
- Outdoor grills
- Compost
- Children’s toys
A bear doesn’t necessarily need to be looking for trouble when it enters a residential property. It may simply be investigating a potential source of food, water, or shelter.
However, once a wild animal becomes comfortable around homes, conflicts can develop.
What Should You Do If You See a Bear in Your Yard?
If a bear enters your backyard, the safest response is generally to keep your distance and avoid approaching it.
Never attempt to touch, feed, chase, corner, or photograph a bear from close range.
Instead:
- Bring people and pets indoors.
- Stay away from the animal.
- Give the bear a clear route to leave.
- Avoid sudden attempts to approach or scare it.
- Keep children away from windows or doors that open toward the bear.
- Remove potential attractants once the bear has safely left.
- Contact local wildlife authorities if the bear remains or presents an immediate concern.
If you live in an area where black bear encounters are possible, your local wildlife agency can provide specific guidance for your region.
How Can Homeowners Reduce Bear Visits?
Preventing bears from becoming interested in your property is often easier than dealing with a repeat visitor.
Homeowners in bear country can take steps such as:
Secure Garbage
Use bear-resistant garbage containers where recommended and avoid leaving food waste outside.
Don’t Leave Pet Food Outdoors
Pet food can attract wildlife. Feed pets indoors when possible and clean up leftover food promptly.
Secure Bird Feeders
Bird feeders can provide an easy source of food for bears. Consider removing them during periods when bear activity is high.
Clean Outdoor Grills
Food residue and grease can leave strong smells that attract wildlife. Clean grills thoroughly after use.
Protect Fruit Trees
If you have fruit trees, remove fallen fruit regularly so it doesn’t become an easy food source.
Make Pools Less Attractive
A pool can be difficult to keep wildlife away from completely, especially during hot weather. Follow local wildlife guidance if bears repeatedly visit your property.
A Funny Story With an Important Reminder
The sight of five bear cubs wrestling in a swimming pool is certainly unusual, and the family’s footage provides a memorable glimpse of wildlife behaving naturally in a residential setting.
But the encounter also demonstrates why wild animals should always be treated with caution.
The cubs may have looked playful and harmless, but a mother bear protecting her young can be extremely dangerous if she feels threatened. The electrical equipment incident also showed how quickly an apparently entertaining situation could turn hazardous.
For the Basso family, what began as an ordinary summer morning became a backyard wildlife story they were unlikely to forget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the bears get into the family’s pool?
The bears may have been attracted to the water because of the hot weather, although the exact reason for their visit isn’t known. Bears are capable of exploring residential areas in search of water, food, or other resources.
How many bears were in the backyard?
According to the reported story, the group consisted of a mother bear and five cubs.
Are black bear cubs dangerous?
Bear cubs should never be approached simply because they are small or appear playful. A mother bear may be nearby, and getting between a mother and her cubs can be extremely dangerous.
Should you approach a bear to take a photo?
No. A bear should always be given plenty of space. Use windows or other secure locations to observe wildlife rather than approaching it.
Can bears damage swimming pools?
Yes. Bears are strong animals and may damage pool liners, toys, covers, pumps, or other equipment while investigating a pool area.
What should I do if a bear keeps returning to my property?
Avoid feeding or approaching the bear and remove potential attractants when it is safe to do so. If the animal repeatedly returns or appears threatening, contact your local wildlife authorities for advice.
Final Thoughts
The Basso family’s unexpected pool guests turned an ordinary summer morning into an unforgettable wildlife encounter. A mother black bear and her five cubs found a cool place to escape the heat and spent time swimming, playing, and exploring the backyard.
While the footage may be entertaining, the story is also a useful reminder that wild animals can appear in unexpected places. Bears should always be observed from a safe distance, and homeowners should take precautions to avoid attracting wildlife to residential properties.
Sometimes the most memorable backyard visitors are the ones you definitely didn’t invite.
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