‘Bear or mountain lion’ likely dragged away man missing in remote Northern CA
A man missing for months in a remote Northern California community may have been stricken during a medical emergency and carried away by a “bear or a mountain lion,” said authorities who renewed their search for the man over the weekend.
Gil Clark has been missing since August between Downieville and Goodyears Bar in Sierra County, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Searchers on Friday returned to the area to expand their effort after tracking tips and leads for months. Searchers recovered clothing and personal items Friday, but failed to find the missing Clark, deputies said.
Downieville is 103 miles northeast of Sacramento.
Nevada County Search and Rescue and cadaver dogs were called on Saturday to assist in the recovery effort.
“Based on the investigation and personal items recovered, it is believed Mr. Clark likely suffered a medical emergency near his home that incapacitated him or resulted in his death,” Sierra County Sheriff’s Office said in an update posted Saturday to its Facebook page. “Evidence further indicates he was likely dragged from the area by a bear or mountain lion.”
Clark regularly walked the 4-mile stretch along Highway 49 that searchers unsuccessfully scoured in August. Searchers and search and rescue teams also combed the land surrounding Clark’s property including the woods behind his home where they reported what authorities described as “significant bear activity.” Neighbors also reported mountain lion activity in the area, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The investigation into Clark’s disappearance remains open and the Sheriff’s Office is pursuing all leads, authorities said in its statement.
Anyone with information on Gil Clark’s disappearance can call the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office at 530-289-3700.
This story was originally published November 17, 2025 at 9:26 AM.
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