Heather Hardwick issued the following statement on SB 1305
California is now considering bringing grizzly bears back under SB 1305.
Our state is already struggling to properly manage mountain lions, black bears, and growing wolf populations. Rural communities are dealing with livestock losses, public safety concerns, and limited wildlife enforcement capacity. Before introducing another apex predator, we must fix the systems we already have.
Last year, I authored AB 1038 to modernize bear management tools. That effort was blocked. Instead of addressing real, current challenges, Sacramento is debating reintroduction of a species absent for over 100 years.
Conservation must be science-based — and it must account for the people who live closest to the land. I will continue fighting for balanced wildlife policy that protects both our environment and our communities.
