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On October 17, 1837, near Fort Tejon Peter had set out to hunt him one of the giant grizzlies that roamed the territory. His exact age and occupation remain a mystery to historians, but some speculate that he might have been a trapper or frontiersman, given the time period and the ruggedness of the area. Trappers in the early 19th century often ventured deep into the wilderness in search of fur-bearing animals like beavers, which were highly valuable at the time. These men were well-acquainted with the dangers of their profession, as they faced not only hostile wildlife but also extreme weather, rough terrain, and occasional conflict with Native American tribes.
Lebeck’s story lives on, thanks in part to the gravestone that was found much later, inscribed with the chilling words: "Killed by a bear." This simple epitaph suggests that Lebeck was alone at the time of his death or was found shortly after the attack, his body likely bearing the brutal marks of the grizzly's powerful claws and jaws. It's worth noting that grizzly bears were highly feared by early settlers and trappers in California. These bears were known for their immense size, territorial nature, and ferocity when provoked. Unlike black bears, which tend to avoid human contact, grizzlies in this region were not easily deterred and were far more aggressive when threatened or surprised.
Given the year of the attack, it’s possible that Lebeck was one of the many men who traveled west during the early stages of American expansion into California, long before the Gold Rush brought waves of settlers into the region. Life on the frontier was harsh, and even the best-prepared individuals could fall victim to the untamed wilderness.
The events leading up to Peter Lebeck’s attack are largely unknown, but we can infer some likely scenarios based on the historical context and behavior of grizzly bears. In 1837, the California wilderness was largely undisturbed by human activity, providing the perfect habitat for the state’s large population of grizzly bears. These bears were known to roam vast territories in search of food, particularly in the fall months when they would aggressively fatten up before the winter hibernation season. It’s possible that Lebeck encountered the bear during one of these feeding periods.
Fort Tejon was surrounded by open grasslands and oak-studded hills, a landscape where bears could easily remain hidden in the dense brush until the last moment. Given the bear’s predatory nature, Lebeck may have inadvertently stumbled upon it while the animal was foraging for acorns, berries, or small game. Grizzlies, especially when surprised or feeling cornered, are known to attack without warning. It’s likely that Lebeck, armed only with basic tools or a simple firearm typical of the time, had little chance to defend himself against such a powerful adversary.
Historical accounts suggest that the bear inflicted severe injuries, likely mauling Lebeck with its enormous claws and delivering powerful bites. Grizzly bears have a bite force of over 1,000 pounds per square inch, capable of crushing bones with ease. The attack would have been swift and brutal, leaving Lebeck with little chance of survival. The region's isolation and the lack of advanced medical care meant that even if he had survived the initial attack, he would have been far from help, succumbing to his injuries shortly afterward.
Peter Lebeck tragically did not survive the encounter, making him one of the earliest documented fatalities from a bear attack in California. His gravestone discovered decades later, remains one of the few pieces of evidence of his existence and his fatal encounter with the grizzly bear. As for the bear, its fate is unknown. In the 19th century, it was common for local hunters or trappers to seek revenge on bears that killed or injured people, so it’s possible that the bear was hunted down in the days following the attack. However, no records of such a hunt exist, and the bear’s age, health, or whether it had cubs remains a mystery. Speaking of cubs, our Cub Tier Membership on Patreon offers ad-free early access to our episodes for just $3 a month. Your support goes a long way in helping us continue to make educational and entertaining content like this!
The California grizzly, once a symbol of the state’s wildness and power, was driven to extinction by the early 20th century due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, the story of Peter Lebeck serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those who ventured into the wilderness in search of fortune or survival and the small town of Lebec still bears his name.

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