California Considers Grizzly Bear Reintroduction | San Francisco News

California is eyeing a bold move: bringing back grizzly bears, the majestic icons of its state flag. Once numbering in the thousands, these bears vanished by the 1920s, victims of the Gold Rush and human expansion. Now, a new bill seeks to study whether reintroducing them could heal the ecosystem and right a historical wrong — a proposal championed by tribes and environmentalists who see potential in the north coast and Sierra Nevada. But rural communities, ranchers, and some lawmakers fear the risks: overcrowded landscapes, livestock conflicts, and strained wildlife management resources. The state’s Fish and Wildlife Department is already stretched thin, raising questions about readiness. Meanwhile, federal policy shifts could complicate matters, potentially opening the door to hunting in other states. With federal approval still needed and practical hurdles mounting, any return of grizzlies to California may be a distant dream — or a long, contentious journey. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3d4ffcdce35dd66e