California lawmakers kill grizzly bear reintroduction bill
Summary
California lawmakers stopped a bill that would explore bringing grizzly bears back to the state. The bill asked the state to study if reintroducing grizzly bears is possible and safe, but concerns about conflicts with people and livestock led to its rejection.Key Facts
- The bill, Senate Bill 1305, was proposed by Senator Laura Richardson.
- It aimed to have the California Department of Fish and Wildlife make a plan to consider reintroducing grizzly bears.
- The Assembly Appropriations Committee killed the bill without discussion or public input.
- Assemblymember Buffy Wicks said the state needs to find better ways for people and wildlife to live together before bringing back grizzlies.
- Grizzly bears once lived all over California but were wiped out by the 1920s.
- The grizzly bear appears on the California state flag as a symbol.
- Supporters included two Native American tribes and environmental groups who want to restore the ecosystem.
- Opponents included ranchers and rural communities worried about more conflicts with predators and livestock.
- The bill did not include funding for the study but allowed future lawmakers or groups to fund it.
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