Fatal bear attack a first in California history

Authorities said Ms Miller, who lived in the small mountain community of Downieville, had multiple issues with bears on her property. She is said to have often fed her cats on the porch and had trash on the property.

The woman had physically hit one bear to stop it entering her residence, her daughter was quoted as saying by the LA Times.

There are up to 35,000 black bears in California, according to the state wildlife department.

Adult males can weigh roughly 400lb (181kg). Females range from 100-300lb.