The California grizzly was hunted to extinction nearly a century ago. Now, the state is failing to protect California black bears from hunting, despite bear killing being unethical and relying on dubious claims about the health of the population.

The California Department of Fish & Wildlife has reported population declines of up to 67%, but continues to approve the hunting of black bears. They are considering increasing hunting opportunities even though black bears are already facing extreme hardship from wildfires, drought, and vehicle accidents.

Our partners at the Humane Society of the United States petitioned the California Fish and Game Commission (CFGC) (petition 2021/2022-027) to enact a moratorium on bear hunting, citing concerns over the health and viability of the state’s…