As of this printing, a total of four bears have been euthanized and/or dispatched since Monday, July 15. This week’s blotter details three. The fourth is to be revealed in next week’s edition. Finding some humorous anecdote or quip proved challenging as the bear issues this past week are clearly disturbing. All callers to the Sheriff’s Office dealing with bear issues are provided the Wildlife Contact Hotline number, (916) 358-2917.

Monday, July 15

00:45 - Report of child abuse at Webber Lake Campground in Sierraville under investigation.

01:24 - Deputy conducting traffic stop and Field Sobriety Tests in Loyalton.

06:51 - Ambulance request in Loyalton.

11:46 - Sex offender registration in Downieville.

12:40 - Ambulance request in Loyalton.

13:24 - Nevada County responding to injured hiker in Truckee.

13:37 - Within minutes of a Sierra City resident loading food into their vehicle a bear was on the scene and had to be scared off.

17:32 - Per Sheriff Fisher: “On July 15th, a large black bear forced entry into the Loyalton High School AG barn. Since students are at the school at all times of the day and night tending to their FFA animals, Sheriff Fisher declared the bear a public safety threat and contacted the USDA Federal Trapper. The trapper agreed to assist the Sheriff’s Office and set a bear trap inside the barn. The bear returned on the night of July 17th and again forced entry into the AG barn but was not caught in the trap. On July 22nd, the bear once again returned to the AG barn and this time it was caught in the trap. The USDA trapper assisted the Sheriff’s Office in euthanizing the bear for public safety, as students were still occupying the FFA grounds and AG barn.” Thank you Sheriff!

18:09 - Owner of abandoned vehicle in Downieville was located and moved the rig.

Tuesday, July 16

06:22 - Lost property in Downieville.

08:09 - Accidental 911 in Downieville.

11:28 - Dog bite reported in Loyalton.

13:17 - Vehicle and trailer near Downieville that lost a tire is blocking Highway 49.

14:10 - Three lost dogs near a mining claim near Forest City were reunited with their owner.

15:36 - Loyalton juvenile interacts with Sierra County Probation.

15:58 - Arrest record inquiry from a caller outside the county.

Wednesday, July 17

09:43 - Concern over black calf along a road in Sattley.

09:47 - Caller reports a black bear in Loyalton eating the neighbor’s chicken. Geez.

12:18 - Injured fawn reported behind Loyalton High School FFA barn.

15:42 - Reckless driver in Loyalton reported near train tracks.

16:05 - Caller worried about individuals walking on Henness Pass Road near Downieville. Information relayed or lack thereof did not warrant a response from a deputy. Opinion of this columnist: we have a small agency fitting of our county population size that covers a large rural area. They can’t be driving everywhere at the drop of a hat on little to no information.

16:50 - Property check requested near Pike.

22:53 - Bear trapped in a vehicle in Sierra City escaped before the law arrived. But not without first destroying the entire interior of the caller’s vehicle. Ugh. Frustrating.

00:14 - Now another bear is trapped inside a vehicle. This time at Sierra Shangri- La outside of Downieville. Deputy was not able to arrive in time to assist (again, small agency). Guests were later able to get a door open and scare the bear out.Again, unfortunately, the bear demolished the inside of the vehicle.

Thursday, July 18

04:44 - Sheriff’s Office assisted Truckee PD with PGA Tour event security.

06:41 - Bear attempting to rip off screen and gain entry at a Sierra City cabin.

08:27 - Holy Cow! “Report of a bear being dispatched by a home owner while it was attempting to gain entry to the home owners residence.” GOOD! I love wildlife but this is getting ridiculous! Fish and Wildlife will be handling the removal of the bear from the property.

10:04 - Caller reports dog roaming Maiden Lane in Downieville needs hydration. Me too! No AC in the newspaper office! It’s flippin’ hot in here! Right now ice cold water is my drink of choice!

11:46 - Bear roaming around midday poking its nose where it doesn’t belong, alarming Sierra City residents.

15:34 - Sirius XM radio notification of an emergency alert activation through a car in Downieville received. Deputies could not locate the vehicle.

16:41 - Another bear encounter in Loyalton! Yikes! “Report of a large bear approaching a human while sitting on their front porch with lights on and noise being made. The bear acted completely [unfazed] to the individual’s presence as they went into their residence and the bear continued onto the porch area.”

21:00 - Ambulance request in Loyalton.

Friday, July 19

03:32 - Ambulance request in Loyalton.

11:33 - Bear in Loyalton damaging property while trying to access enclosed trash containers. Usually I applaud the spirit of determination, but with these bears they need a dose of laziness and procrastination.

12:04 - Unoccupied vehicle crashed into a guard rail at Logger Beer point near Camptonville.

14:33 - Theft reported at Plum Valley Baseball Field in Pike.

15:44 - Ambulance request in Loyalton.

16:13 - Caller reports a couple in the area of Love Falls, Sierra City, may need assistance. Welfare check attempted by deputy but no one was around.

18:18 - Drum roll please... out of Loyalton: “Report of a suspicious male wearing only pants that might have been trying to get into apartments and possibly drunk. Deputies were unable to locate the subject and the caller stated that he didn’t see the subject any longer.”

18:26 - Worries alleviated after six overdue mountain bikers finally made it back to Downieville. They were taking their time down the trail. Enjoying the scenery. 

20:56 - Directions given to a campground.

22:38 - Verbal altercation between persons in a vehicle in Loyalton reported.

23:45 - Loyalton traffic stop resulted in one arrested for DUI charges.

Saturday, July 20

00:29 - At the same location as above “... Sheriff’s Office cited a subject for an infraction driving under the influence zero tolerance charge due to age.”

00:47 - Union Flat Campground near Sierra City saw some activity with a traffic stop and a driver cited for various traffic violations.

01:42 - Cal Fire requesting a water tender from Pike City Fire Department for a vegetation fire in Camptonville.

01:54 - Two arrested and multiple charges issued ranging from battery, drunkenness, disturbing the peace, etcetera, due to causing drama with campers at Snag Lake Campground near Sierra City after a feud. One of my favorite quotes from a lovely lady: “Have a good day! But if you can’t, don’t you dare go messing up nobody else’s!” Tabitha Brown. 

05:00 - “Sheriff’s Office came upon a vehicle that had a bear [break-in]. There [were] no signs of the bear or damage to the vehicle.” Well at least this Downieville resident on Pearl Street was somewhat spared!

05:02 - Busy bear! Same story as above but new location: Commercial Street, Downieville.

08:59 - Sierra City folks reporting nuisance bear hanging near home and businesses.

09:39 - Now a third bear meets its Maker! In a house behind Old Toll Bridge road in Goodyears Bar, a bear walked into a trap set by Fish and Wildlife. The rest is history!

09:45 - Welfare check on a spouse camping at Salmon Creek Campground near Sierra City ended well. They were fine.

14:06 - Request for ambulance in Loyalton.

14:30 - Report of two dogs in a car with windows down at the Sierra Hardware store parking lot in Downieville. Recently saw a flyer with a picture reminding the public it only takes about six minutes for a dog to die in a hot car — even with the windows cracked! I might end up in the Blotter myself the next time I see someone walking their dog on hot pavement. It’s freakin’ hot outside. The pavement during most of the day is well over 100 degrees! I had to bite my tongue the other day. Not sure how much grace I have left in me on dogs in hot cars and being walked on hot pavements! Research what a hot pavement does to the paws of your dog’s feet! If it is too hot for you to walk on, it’s too hot for your dog!

16:12 - Bear breaking into a basement in Sierra City.

18:24 - On Main Street in Downieville: “Report of possible drilling or jack hammering [in a neighbor’s back yard] and then a strong smell of sewage coming from there. Sierra County Planning Department was informed of the incident and will take the proper actions if needed.” Lovely.

18:24 - Violation reported at Stampede Reservoir. One must be at least 16 to drive a water craft!

18:34 - A different party now in violation at Stampede Reservoir. Say it with me: “One must be at least 16 to drive a water craft.” I faintly remember taking the helm of my uncle’s boat at a young age with a smile on my face at Lake Berryessa. I vividly remember that, during a camping trip, my uncles were on a boat drinking beer and fishing all day, and they caught...zilch. Meanwhile, my cousin and I caught a catfish each off the dock near our tents using marshmallows for bait! My uncles were shocked. Not to mention slightly intoxicated during most of the camping trip. Good times!

20:07 - Ambulance request in Sierraville.

21:49 - Deputy checked Calpine area after report of an illegal fire on a private property. No sign of fire. No smell of fire. 

21:57 - Loyalton patient transported to Portola.

22:52 - “A very bright moon in the sky” was mistaken for a fire off the ridge on Galloway in Downieville. 

22:24 - CHP handling a deer vs vehicle incident north of Newmans Point and Highway 49. No injuries reported.

23:09 - Welfare check on Calpine resident indicates the person is likely sleeping inside the home.

Sunday, July 21

10:10 - Report of an unknown subject near Sierraville walking on Highway 49. Individual also approached a house off the beaten path which raised some concerns. Deputies were unable to locate anyone fitting the description. 

12:58 - I would love to see some footage about this call! Does someone out there have a video? Loyalton: Bear tries to break into a garage. At some point before or after said break in, the bear takes a swim in the neighbor’s pool. I’m laughing really loud right now. Oh my gosh! Okay bad bear! BAD BEAR!

15:00 - Lost property reported in Sierraville.

15:07 - A bear has made its presence known once again in Sierra City. Near Hayes Rd.

18:32 - Deputy made contact with folks at Logger Campground after report of possible animal abuse and other mischievous behavior.

18:36 - Keys lost in Downieville.

18:54 - A lost young child wandered into Leonards Market in Loyalton. The best possible outcome transpired when the kiddo was reunited with family. YES!

20:14 - 775 Off Road Recovery group saved the day again in our county as a vehicle was stuck on a rock in Verdi andanother vehicle was out of gas! Donate to this non-profit if you can! They help folks get out jams regular towing services will not respond to!

22:00 - Deputy removed deceased fawn 1/2 mile north of Ladies Canyon near Sierra City.

Total Reported: 73 Bears: 17, Dogs: 4, Cows: 1, Deer: 3