A new push from California lawmakers could see one of the most lethal predators on the planet return to the Golden State.<\/p>\n
CA State Senator Laura Richardson introduced Senate Bill 1305, a proposal for legislation that would direct the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to create a \u201croadmap\u201d for how the massive bear species could be brought back to the state by June 30, 2028.<\/p>\n
The bill states grizzlies \u201cpromote biodiversity and ecosystem heterogeneity by modifying vegetation composition and structure, regulating trophic dynamics, accelerating geomorphic processes, enriching soils with marine and terrestrial nutrients, dispersing seeds, and initiating secondary ecological processes.\u201d<\/p>\n
The bill would require some serious work from CDFW, and would not just open the gates for bears to be brought into the state.<\/p>\n
California lawmakers are pondering whether to re-introduce the grizzly bear after more than a century of being extinct in the state. Getty Images\/iStockphoto<\/p>\n
The department would need to make \u201ca scientific determination regarding the biological and ecological viability of establishing a self-sustaining grizzly population in the state, and a consultation with California Native American tribes and engagement with communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for the \u201croadmap,\u201d the bill demands CDFW lists a number of elements on its website to be publicly available, including, but not limited to:<\/p>\n
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-\u201dA scientific assessment based on the best available data, including habitat suitability, population modeling, long-term viability thresholds, and potential ecological impacts.\u201d<\/p>\n
The legislation promotes the ecological and cultural benefits of bringing the bear back. Corbis via Getty Images<\/p>\n
-\u201dConsultation with California Native American tribes, with priority given to tribes whose ancestral territories are encompassed by proposed reintroduction areas, and in coordination with the University of California, local governments, residents, landowners, stakeholders, and other experts in wildlife conservation and grizzly bear reintroduction.\u201d<\/p>\n
-\u201dIndependent peer review drawing on the most qualified individuals, including tribal representatives, individuals from appropriate institutions within the state and from within the University of California system, and other qualified experts.\u201d<\/p>\n
-\u201dA framework for incorporating cultural, spiritual, and ecological values of California Native American tribes, including recognition of the grizzly bear\u2019s significance to tribal traditions and land stewardship.\u201d<\/p>\n
The roadmap would need to include a scientific assessment of the viability of bringing the bears back and a consultation with California Native American tribes. VWPics\/Universal Images Group via Getty Images<\/p>\n
-\u201dIdentification of potential relocation areas based on ecological criteria, land ownership, habitat connectivity, and the risk of human-wildlife conflict.\u201d<\/p>\n
Richardson mentions California\u2019s Native American tribes throughout the legislation, stating that the bears hold \u201cenduring cultural, religious, spiritual, and ceremonial significance for many California Native American tribes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grizzlies are solidified in California history despite being absent for many generations. The grizzly bear<\/a> is on the California state flag.<\/p>\n Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters <\/p>\n California Post News: Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, X<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, WhatsApp<\/a>, LinkedIn<\/a> Despite living in California for thousands of years, the bears were labeled extinct in 1924. Richardson\u2019s bill blames \u201cwidespread killing of grizzly bears by settlers, miners, ranchers, and government agents led to the complete extirpation of the species\u201d following the Gold Rush.<\/p>\n \u201cTheir removal from California ecosystems contributed to cascading ecological effects that altered landscape structure, shifted species composition, and contributed to an overall loss of biodiversity in the state,\u201d the bill adds.<\/p>\n An April 2025 study<\/a> found that a \u201cwell-planned, well-resourced and well-managed reintroduction and recovery program could, however, likely establish a sustainable California grizzly population in one or more recovery areas over several decades.\u201d<\/p>\n A \u201cwell-resourced\u201d recovery would involve funding up to $3 million a year for the first decade of the program, the study said.<\/p>\n But there\u2019s some doubt around the viability of returning the massive bears to the state. Outside of their large and intimidating presence, there\u2019s many questions to be answered about them.<\/p>\n \u201cRecovering grizzly bears in California is a choice,\u201d Alex McInturff, co-editor of the study and assistant unit leader of U.S. Geological Survey\u2019s Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, told the Los Angeles Times.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe can choose to do it by making necessary investments and creating the necessary partnerships to make it possible. There\u2019s habitat available. A number of questions can be answered. But it\u2019s a choice,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t
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