Officials consider reintroducing fierce predator to wild after century-long absence: 'We need hope right now'

The Guardian reported news of hopes for more bear sightings following a new feasibility report. The study focuses on the possible return of California's state animal: the grizzly bear.

Have you noticed the grizzly bear on the California state flag? The massive animal was once abundant in the state and a mascot of resilience during the revolt against Mexico before disappearing from the area. As many as 10,000 of these bears roamed the state during the gold-rush years, only to be reduced to a lone sighting at Sequoia National Park in 1924.

The grizzly has played a pivotal role in Native American culture and lore. As Octavio Escobedo III, chairman of the Tejon Indian Tribe, said in the foreword of the Recovering Grizzly Bears in California study: "Our Native cultures, stories, and history remain interwoven with the grizzly, allowing us to remember and imagine what once was." 

With careful human behavior (for example, not feeding them human food or approaching them for selfies), reintroducing the grizzly to the state can be beneficial. Per the Guardian, pro-grizzly experts proclaim the bear has plenty of California land to return and is a big help to biodiversity.

"We've got the largest acreage of protected areas of any state," Peter Alagona, an environmental historian at the University of California at Santa Barbara, told the Guardian.

Regarding the ecological pros, the grizzly balances prey populations, such as herbivores that may overgraze areas. Soil health blooms as they distribute plant species by digging and dispersing seeds through their feces. When these salmon-loving bears eat their catch and leave the carcasses, it fertilizes the soil.

Melissa Wilder, a wildlife program coordinator with the Los Padres ForestWatch, is excited about a new brown bear dawn. She told the Guardian: "If we bring it back, it reminds us of a new future, and I think we need hope right now."

However, convincing local residents may not be easy, despite a positive survey response to the study, but education about grizzly behavior may help. 

Facing a grizzly bear with large claws and weighing up to 700 pounds, per the National Wildlife Federation, will rightfully scare someone. However, the reality is they tend to shy away from human contact unless provoked, surprised, guarding food, or protecting cubs. Remember to stay still or slowly back away if you encounter one, rather than running, which may cause it to chase. 

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

TCD Picks » Moms Clean Air Force

💡 Join a group of concerned mothers, fathers, and caregivers by signing petitions to fight for children's health

Tell Congress that freezing federal funds hurts kids

Sign a petition supporting the health of every child in America

Help prevent heavy metals from ending up in baby food

Tell the FDA that lead and baby food don't mix

Keep families safe from severe weather threats

Tell Congress to keep us prepared for weather disasters

Defend EPA to defend our health

Urge lawmakers to aggressively protect EPA’s funding and staff

Cool Picks

How the Expedia of solar panels helps homeowners save money and avoid a common trap: 'Giving you confidence in the systems'

Homeowner easily debunks myth about solar panels one month after installing new system: 'Passive income is always welcome'

This innovative company will install solar panels on your roof with no upfront costs — here's how its business model works

REI makes it easy to find steep discounts on used gear and clothing — and you can make big money selling your old stuff too