The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has introduced an updated Black Bear Conservation and Management Plan, building on the original 1998 plan. This new plan incorporates contemporary scientific methodologies for the conservation, management, and monitoring of black bear populations in the state.
California is estimated to have around 60,000 black bears, one of the largest populations in the U.S., coexisting with a human population of approximately 40 million. The management of black bears involves navigating diverse public opinions on ensuring their health while minimizing conflicts with humans.
CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham emphasized that the plan aims to harmonize various viewpoints on black bears and strengthen efforts for their long-term health. The plan was developed through a transparent process that engaged the public, collecting feedback from over 5,000 individuals and organizations on a draft released a year prior.
Arjun Dheer, the statewide black bear coordinator for CDFW, highlighted that this plan enables the application of the best available science for informed decisions regarding black bear populations, ensuring they can thrive and be appreciated by Californians.
The plan is founded on two primary goals:
- To conserve and manage black bear populations that are ecologically functional, disease-resilient, and genetically diverse, while also enhancing their habitats.
- To offer opportunities for bear hunting, viewing, and public education; to minimize human-black bear conflicts; to consider animal welfare; and to include all Californians in conservation decisions.
To achieve these goals, CDFW is implementing rigorous population monitoring across California utilizing techniques such as GPS collars, den checks, camera traps, and DNA sampling from hair snares. The state is divided into nine bear conservation regions for independent monitoring and management of populations.
It is important to note that the publication of this plan does not alter existing hunting regulations or bear harvest limits. Any future changes to these regulations will follow the public process established by the California Fish and Game Commission.
