They’re on our flag, but do long-gone grizzly bears belong in modern California?
Summary
California’s state flag shows a grizzly bear, but these bears disappeared from the state about 100 years ago. A new law proposal asks the state to look into whether it is possible to bring grizzly bears back to California and where they could live safely.Key Facts
- Grizzly bears once lived all across California but were wiped out by the 1920s.
- The California flag’s bear represents this extinct grizzly population.
- Senator Laura Richardson introduced a bill to study the possibility of reintroducing grizzlies.
- The bill asks the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to create a plan, but it does not provide money for the study.
- Some rural groups oppose the idea because they worry about bears living near people and livestock.
- At least 40 Native American tribes and environmental groups support the bill.
- A 2025 study found parts of California’s north coast, mountains, and national parks might be good homes for grizzlies.
- The study suggests starting with about 25 grizzly bears if reintroduction happens.
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