Could grizzly bears someday return to California wilderness areas? A new state bill is keeping that conversation alive.
Senate Bill 1305, known as the California Grizzly Restoration Act, recently passed its first committee vote and is now headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The proposal would not immediately reintroduce grizzlies into the state. Instead, it would direct the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to develop a feasibility roadmap by 2028 examining whether grizzly restoration could work — and under what conditions.
A recent study led by Peter Alagona identified several possible habitats, including the Klamath Mountains, Trinity Alps, Sierra Nevada, and portions of Southern California’s Transverse Ranges. Researchers estimated the state could potentially support nearly 1,200 grizzly bears.
The bill is co-sponsored by the Yurok Tribe and the Tejon Indian Tribe and calls for Indigenous knowledge to be included in any future wildlife management plans.
Opposition remains strong among ranching organizations, many of which are already dealing with conflicts involving gray wolves. Critics argue California lacks the staffing and resources needed to safely manage another large predator species.
California’s grizzly population once numbered around 10,000 animals before they were driven to extinction in the early 20th century.
