A tragic incident in Sierra County has left a community in shock after a woman was fatally attacked by a black bear that had reportedly been stalking her for months.
Authorities confirmed that Patricia Miller was found dead inside her Downieville home, with evidence pointing to a fatal bear attack.
Concerns arose when a local grocery store employee reported that Miller, a routine customer, had not been seen for days. A welfare check led sheriff’s deputies to her home, where they discovered her body and signs of a bear’s presence.
While officials initially suggested that the bear may have entered her home after her death, others believe she had been living in fear of the animal for an extended period before the fatal encounter.
The bear was later located, trapped, and euthanized, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Miller’s loved ones are devastated by the loss, with some expressing sorrow that she had not reached out to authorities sooner for help in dealing with the persistent threat.
