Grizzly Bears Now Found Only on State Flags Could Soon Return to California’s Wilderness After 100 Years, Claim Scientists
Many creatures are making a comeback, and California may want to add to the list. A study published by the California Grizzly Alliance showcases reasons why the reintroduction of some adorable bears in the state would not be a bad idea.
The grizzly bear is the official animal of California, according to the California Grizzly Alliance. Despite this, the animal has gone extinct from the region. This was not always the case, though, since at one point, 10,000 grizzly bears inhabited the region. The intentional persecution of animals caused the species to disappear from the area 75 years after statehood. The spring of 1924 was the last time a grizzly bear was spotted in California.
Grizzly bears vanished from California because they were promoted as pests to the public, as per Popular Mechanics. For the supposed protection of the public, a strychnine “bait” for killing these bears was created. Strychnine was a fatal poison for animals, which was mixed with shattered glass in this bait to lure the grizzlies. Many grizzlies fell into the trap, ingested the bait, and instantly perished on the spot. The study claims that the killing of bears was not popular. The hunting was done by a small group of people who also had violent histories with other creatures.
A team of scientists and policy experts collaborated to examine if there are any viable obstacles to the reintroduction of grizzly bears in California. After a detailed examination, the team concluded that there were no practical hurdles to the pursuit. The study claimed that if there is public support and appropriate funding, there is no reason why grizzly bears should not flourish in California again. For the reintroduction to happen, the study proposes that grizzlies could be moved from places like Yellowstone and the Northern Rockies to suitable habitats.
The study also focuses on the consequences of this reintroduction process, stated the LA Times. Researchers explain where these creatures could live, how many of them could be there, and the economic and safety considerations the humans around the grizzlies would have to face. Experts used habitat suitability models and zeroed in on three regions where the grizzlies could inhabit. These areas were the Transverse Ranges stretching from the coast to the desert in Southern California, the entire Sierra Nevada, and the Northwest Forest. If all these regions are used, then the experts speculate that 1,183 grizzlies can live in California.
As far as safety issues are concerned, the humans around the grizzly bears face an “extremely small” chance of any sort of harm, according to the study. Experts also emphasized the benefits these grizzly bears could bring to the human population. The bears can disperse seeds, aerate soils, and also keep a check on black bears, which would benefit humans in the long run. Bruce McLellan, a retired grizzly bear research ecologist and author of Grizzly Bear Science and the Art of a Wilderness Life, supported the idea, claiming that the adapting nature of grizzlies would make the process easier.
At present, outside investment is the only way to facilitate this reintroduction. Peter Tira, a spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, shared that the government at present does not have the resources required to prioritize the reintroduction. The majority of California civilians support the initiative, stated Popular Mechanics. Researchers are hopeful that more voices could bring the grizzlies back to the Golden State.