California Records First-Ever Fatal Black Bear Attack

Autopsy confirms 71-year-old woman in Downieville was killed by a black bear, a historic first for the state.

Patrice Miller, 71, was found dead in her Downieville home in November 2023 after a welfare check.
Initial investigations suggested the bear entered her home posthumously, but an autopsy later confirmed the bear caused her death.
The bear responsible was trapped and euthanized; DNA tests verified its involvement in the attack.
Authorities noted Miller had ongoing issues with bears, often attracting them with food and garbage.
This incident highlights the dangers of habituated bears losing their natural fear of humans.