"Shaman" woman accused of starting massive California wildfire says she was trying to boil bear urine, so that explains it
· Sep 28, 2021 · NottheBee.com

Souverneva claims to be a "shaman," but perhaps a more fitting for her would be "Supernova."

Alexandra Souverneva, 30, could face up to nine years for allegedly starting multiple fires in California, which have "destroyed roughly 41 homes and 90 small structures while endangering another 2,340," according to officials.

What turns this story from bad to bizarre is that she claims the fire was started inadvertently as she was trying to boil -- (checks notes) -- bear urine.

What was she planning to do with boiled bear urine anyway? I'm not sure if I even want to know the answer to that.

"When she became thirsty and approached a puddle of what she claimed to be bear urine, she told forest officials she attempted to make a fire to purify it," the Washington Examiner reports.

"The wood she hoped to use was 'too wet for the fire to start,' documents said. Souverneva then drank the animal urine and proceeded on her journey."

(Is this what everyone does in the woods, or is this just a shaman thing? Please excuse my ignorance. The only shamans with whom I'm familiar are from Warcraft.)

Eventually, she called the fire department for assistance. That's when officials started to sense something fishy going on.

"The firefighters requested she empty her pockets and fanny pack, to which she presented CO2 canisters, a lighter, and 'a green, leafy substance she admitted to smoking that day,' said Matt Alexander, an officer from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. "There is a high possibility she is responsible."

She pleaded not guilty. Her attorney argues it's possible Souverneva is mentally ill or has drug abuse issues. Her attorney also said Souverneva is under suspicion for possibly starting other fires.

"It is my experience that arsonists … will light multiple fires in a short time frame," Alexander said.


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