A 71 year old woman was found dead in her home in DownievilleSierra County, United States, after being attacked by a black bear. The victim, Patrice Miller, showed signs of having been mutilated by the animal, according to a published autopsy report. This event marks the first fatal attack of its kind in California.
Authorities with the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office were called to conduct a welfare check, finding Miller’s body and evidence that a bear had been in the house probably for several days. Upon arriving at the residence, the officer observed clear signs of a bear intrusion, including a broken door and bear scat on the porch. Upon entering, the agent found Miller’s body and “more clues about what happened,” Fisher said. Miller was initially believed to have died before the bear entered, however, the autopsy report revealed that he died from a blow or bite to the neck from the animal, the sheriff stated. Michael Fisher.
Peter Tiraspokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said: “Black bears are not dangerous animals, But if they associate our homes, cabins or camps as an easy source of food, they lose their natural fear of people and their actions become increasingly bold.” He added that this is: “The most extreme example we have seen in the history of the state.” The Miller’s death on November 8, 2023 It is an unprecedented case in the context of bear attacks in California.
Despite the infrequency of black bear attacks in California, most of them are considered defensive actions, according to the state fish and wildlife agency. These attacks usually occur when the bear is protecting its puppies or feel threatened. However, youThose conditioned by food can become aggressive to the people. The agency recommends avoiding eye contact with bears, making noise and go back slowly.
The bear involved in Miller’s death was trapped near his residence and later euthanized. The analyzes of DNA They confirmed that it was the same animal that had attacked the woman. Miller He had had problems with bears on his property before, indirectly feeding them by leaving food out for his cats and having trash accessible. According to Sheriff’s Officehis daughter mentioned, “The bears were constantly trying to get in through broken windows” and also said, “Miller had physically confronted them on several occasions.”
“Finally, the biologist arrived and calmed the bear.”Fisher recalled. “When we opened the cage, it turned out to be a male bear.”. This bear was eventually euthanized, and bear activity in the area has since decreased considerably.
Since Miller’s death, Authorities have warned Downieville residents Keep your doors and windows closed at night and remove outside food sources. “The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Patrice Miller during this Difficult moment“they said in a press release. Furthermore, they stressed the importance of ensuring that vehicles are also closed to prevent future incidents.
Downieville is a small mountain community located on the banks of the Yuba River, known as a popular destination for mountain bikers and fishermen. With an approximate population of 300 peoplethis tragic incident has deeply impacted its inhabitants, who now face new precautionary measures to avoid future meetings with bears
California is home to between 25,000 and 35,000 black bears, those who reside mainly in forest or mountainous regions. Adult females can weigh between 45 and 136 kgwhile adult males usually weigh between 68 and 181 kg, with some exceeding 227 kg.
Although the bears grizzly, more aggressive than black bears, have not been seen in California in 100 years, increasing interaction between black bears and humans presents a challenge to safe coexistence in residential areas close to their natural habitats. Fisher emphasized that it is crucial for the community to take additional measures to avoid inadvertently feeding these animals and maintain a safe environment.
