Fatal Black Bear Attack in California

by
posted on June 25, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Black Bear Lede 2

A black bear attack in the small California community of Downieville, which resulted in a woman's death, has proven to be the first such fatality in the history of the state. In November of last year (2023), Sierra County Sherriff's deputies were performing a welfare check in the small Sierra Nevada town, when they found a broken door and bear scat on the front porch. Upon entering the domicile, deputies found the remains of the 71-year old woman half devoured on the floor. It appeared the bear had been feeding there for several days.

It was initially believed that the woman—identified as Patrice Miller—passed away inside her home and the bear, drawn by the scent, showed up afterwards. Unfortunately, autopsy results showed differently. The woman was instead killed by a mauling—namely a swipe and bite to the neck. 

Many concerned citizens had reported the bear was repeatedly returning to the house. As such, a state depredation permit was issued, allowing the bear to be trapped on the property, after which it was euthanized. Unfortunately, this occured far too late for Miller. This was not the only problem bear in the area either. Another had to be euthanized in short order, after repeated attempts to break into the school gym. This finally resulted in a significant decrease of bear activity in the area.

Overall, this trend is emblematic of larger patterns in the state. Bears breaking into trash cans, jumping in pools and otherwise crossing paths with humans have occurred with increasing regularity from the Sierras to the Pacific. 

This trend is far from unexpected, considering the burgeoning population of California black bears, which some estimates put at as many as 30,000 animals. Given that sizeable population, the bears have begun to expand outside of their typical ranges and into more populated zones.

For more detailed reporting on the story, head on over to Hunter's Leadership Forum.

Latest

Draper Shooting Citori 825 Sporting
Draper Shooting Citori 825 Sporting

#SundayGunday: Browning Citori 825 Sporting

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the Citori 825 Sporting shotgun, from Browning. A classic over/under, this is a scattergun designed to shine on the sporting clays course.

In Memoriam: Frank R. Brownell III, June 24, 1939 – June 18, 2025

American Hunter sadly marks the passage of a legendary businessman, marketer and friend of hunters, gun owners and the Second Amendment: Frank R. Brownell III, who with his father, Bob, and son, Pete, placed Brownells Inc. and its products foremost in the minds of gun owners everywhere, passed away on June 18, 2025, after a lengthy illness, just six days away from his 86th birthday.

An Ode to the Ruger 10/22

Philip Massaro writes a glowing encomium of his father's favorite little rimfire—the Ruger 10/22.

Grant Deadlines Approaching in Arizona and Michigan

Groups in Arizona and Michigan still have time to apply for grants from their respective wildlife departments.

July Invitational Brings Conservation and Sporting Traditions Together

The Will Primos Invitational, a premier conservation and sporting event, takes place July 18 to 19 at the historic Omni Homestead Resort & Spa in Hot Springs, Va.

First Look: Prime Archery Form 30

Prime Archery by G5 Outdoors has introduced the Form 30, which adds a 30-inch axle-to-axle model to the Prime Form line of bows. The Form has coupled two of Prime’s most significant technologies to create a new pinnacle for the company.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.