DOWNIEVILLE, CA. – A tragic event last year in a secluded mountain community marked the first recorded fatal black bear attack on a human in California, authorities confirmed.
The incident took place in Downieville, a small town nestled in the Sierra Nevada, approximately two hours northeast of Sacramento. On Nov. 8, Sierra County sheriff’s deputies conducted a welfare check on a resident who had not been seen for several days. Upon arrival, they discovered a broken door and bear scat on the porch. Inside, they found the remains of 71-year-old Patrice Miller.
Sheriff Mike Fisher reported that evidence suggested the bear had been present for several days, feeding on Miller’s remains. Initially, it was believed that Miller had died before the bear’s arrival, potentially attracting the animal with the scent. However, subsequent autopsy results revealed that Miller’s death was caused by a bear mauling, with injuries including a swipe and a bite to the neck.
Following the discovery, concerned citizens reported seeing a bear repeatedly returning to the property. Authorities issued a state depredation permit, leading to the trapping and euthanization of a bear on the property. DNA tests later confirmed that this bear was responsible for Miller’s death.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed that this was the first documented case of a fatal black bear attack on a human in the state. Spokesperson Steve Gonzalez emphasized the rarity of such incidents, noting that bears typically avoid human interactions unless they have become accustomed to human behavior.
Further investigation revealed that Miller had a history of bear encounters, with her daughter reporting that she had physically confronted a bear in the past. Subsequently, another bear became a problem in Downieville and was euthanized after attempting to break into a school gym, leading to a notable decrease in bear activity in the area.
Bear intrusions into homes and trash cans in search of food have become increasingly common in California, from Lake Tahoe to the suburbs of Los Angeles, where bears have been known to raid refrigerators and take dips in backyard pools and hot tubs.