SIERRA COUNTY, California, June 8, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) – A California woman found dead in her home on Nov. 8, 2023 is now confirmed as the victim of a black bear attack.
According to an autopsy report cited by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the victim, Patrice Miller, 71 was killed by a bear inside her Downieville home.
It was originally believed Miller had died of natural causes after her body was discovered during a welfare check.
While there was evidence a bear had been inside her home investigators for the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office came to the conclusion the bear had entered the residence in search of food after Miller had died. The coroner’s report proved otherwise.
“Post investigation, we found out that she had been having some bear issues at the house,” Sierra County Sheriff Mike Fisher told CNN. “After we concluded our coroner’s investigation and removed her remains from the house, the bear continued to break into the house over and over again over the next several days.”
That bear was ultimately captured and euthanized.
Fisher said a subsequent investigation determined bears had routinely approached Miller’s home, attracted to cat food left on her front porch, as well as garbage near the home.
Wildlife officials say the fatal black bear attack was the first to be recorded in California’s history.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Fish and Wildlife Department officials worked with the sheriff’s office to inform the public of the encounter and how to safeguard themselves and their homes from aggressive black bear behavior.
“Residents in the vicinity of Downieville are advised to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to avoid potential encounters with all wildlife,” a November 2023 press release said. “Closing ground-level doors and windows at night, locking vehicles, and removing all outside food sources, including garbage, is highly recommended.”
