Northern California Town Grapples With Problem Bears, One of Them Deadly

Frustrated with state wildlife regulations, the Sierra County sheriff said: ‘I’m never going to put wildlife in front of public safety.’
Northern California Town Grapples With Problem Bears, One of Them Deadly
A North American black bear spotted in Yosemite National Park, California. Dreamstime/TNS
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Bears in one rural California village have grown from nuisance to deadly threat in the past six months as local black bears have been entering schools and homes searching for food.

Residents in the tiny northern town of Downieville, about 60 miles northwest of Truckee, are accustomed to living with wildlife and bears roaming neighborhoods. They make sure their trash is secure and they don’t leave bird feeders out.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
Author
Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.