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California was once home to an estimated 10,000 grizzly bears found throughout the state. Today, the iconic animal is seen only on the state flag and official state imagery. Driven by human conflict and persecution, the California grizzly was hunted, trapped, and poisoned into extinction within the state in less than 75 years. The last documented sighting of a California grizzly occurred in 1924 near Sequoia National Park.

California Senate Bill 1305 would take an essential first step toward restoring grizzly bears by requiring the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to develop a comprehensive roadmap evaluating whether, and under what conditions, reintroduction would be feasible and advisable. After passing the State Senate and the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, the bill is now before the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Contact your assemblymember today and urge them to support this historic legislation!

If passed, SB 1305 would not immediately return grizzly bears to California. Instead, it would require rigorous study and responsible planning, giving the California Department of Fish and Wildlife until June 30, 2030, to evaluate whether reintroduction is biologically viable, identify potentially suitable areas, assess the conditions needed for long-term coexistence, and map out a responsible path forward.

Backed by California Native American tribes, including the Tejon and Yurok tribes, the bill requires CDFW to conduct tribal consultations, independent peer reviews and scientific assessments. It also requires the state to evaluate potentially suitable geographic areas and establish proactive human-bear conflict management plans before any reintroduction could move forward.

Reintroducing apex predators in other regions has produced far-reaching ecological effects that can help revitalize entire ecosystems. Natural predators keep prey animals vigilant, altering their foraging behaviors and movements across the landscape. These changes can affect how nutrients are distributed, support plant diversity, and help restore natural ecological processes. Ultimately, returning native predators to their historical habitats can foster healthier, more balanced, and more resilient ecosystems.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Decision makers: California Assembly
Subject: Give California’s Grizzly Bears a Path Home: Vote YES on SB 1305

Please support SB 1305, the California Grizzly Recovery Assessment Act.

California once had an estimated 10,000 grizzly bears, but human persecution drove them to extinction in our state. Today, grizzly bears survive here only on our flag and official imagery. SB 1305 offers California a historic opportunity to responsibly explore bringing this native species home.

This bill would not immediately reintroduce grizzly bears. It would require the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to conduct careful scientific assessments, consult with California Native American tribes, evaluate potential reintroduction areas, determine whether a self-sustaining population would be biologically viable and advisable, and develop proactive plans to prevent and respond to human-bear conflicts before any reintroduction could move forward.

Restoring native apex predators can help strengthen ecosystems, support biodiversity, and repair some of the damage caused by their absence. California has a responsibility to study this possibility seriously and thoughtfully.

Please vote YES on SB 1305.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.