Autopsy Report Says 2023 Tahoe-Area Woman’s Death Was Due To Bear Attack Inside Home

A black bear was initially believed to enter a woman’s house after she’d died in 2023 in the Lake Tahoe area. But months later, an autopsy determine that the 71-year-old was actually mauled to death by the bruin that was subsequently captured and euthanized.

Here’s more from the San Jose Mercury News:

According to a statement by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, officials received an autopsy report and death certificate last week regarding a 71-year-old woman who was found in her home in Downieville, north of Lake Tahoe, after being attacked by a black bear. The woman was found dead on November 8, 2023.

The department’s authorities stated they initially believed that a bear had entered the woman’s home after she died, but the Sierra County coroner confirmed the bear had mauled the woman to death.

Authorities stated the bear was trapped and euthanized. DNA analysis confirmed it was the same bear that had attacked the woman.