California Could Bring Back Grizzly Bears Under New Bill, Drawing Backlash
By Michael Wittner
Published on May 1, 2026.
A new bill, the California Grizzly Recovery Assessment Act, could pave the way for reintroducing the species in the state of California, allowing the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to develop a public roadmap to reintroduce the species by 2030. The bill, introduced by Sen. Laura Richardson and sponsored by the Tejon and Yurok Native American tribes, requires the state to determine if a self-sustaining population is biologically viable, consult with Native American Tribes, assess the ecological impact, and adopt procedures to minimize risks to human life and property. However, many have expressed concerns about the potential danger to humans and animals, citing the reintroduction of gray wolves as a cautionary tale. The Center for Biological Diversity's Brendan Cummings called fears about attacks on humans and other animals overblown.
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