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Bear activist spends time in jail

William Ferchland, Tahoe Daily Tribune

In the end, the bear didn’t want to be involved.

Ann Bryant, founder of the Bear Preservation League, was arrested July 24 on charges of battery on a peace officer and carrying a loaded firearm in public after responding to a call of a 400-pound bear stuck halfway through a residential window, authorities reported.

Bryant was at home in Homewood when a neighbor called her about the curious bear. She grabbed a shotgun, loaded it with rubber buckshot and drove to the scene, Sgt. Lori Ziegler said.



A Placer County sheriff’s deputy was already at the residence, located at the West Shore on Sacramento Avenue, and headed to the trunk of his patrol vehicle for a bear aversion kit when Bryant parked behind him.

“While gathering equipment, he saw from the corner of his eye a blonde walking toward the bear,” Ziegler said. “He called out to her and she turned.”



According to the sheriff’s report, Bryant quickly approached the officer and in a hostile manner said, “I’m Ann Bryant and I’m here to help you.”

At that moment, she allegedly struck the deputy in the upper left arm, causing him to lose his balance. She was arrested for battery on a peace officer, Ziegler said.

Bryant declined comment until she could speak to her attorney.

The deputy called for backup and authorities reportedly found the loaded shotgun resting in the passenger seat of Bryant’s car.

Bryant was taken to Nevada County Jail on $7,500 bail for both misdemeanor charges. She was released three days later on a promise to appear in court.

The district attorney’s office is decreasing the battery charge to resisting and obstruction of justice, authorities said. The weapon charge won’t change.

Her court appearance is Sept. 3 at 8:30 a.m. in Tahoe City.

Apparently the bear, which was the subject of the call, left the scene.

“The bear took off,” she said. “He didn’t want any part of it.”


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