Why California Needs Better Bear Management—And How AB 1038 Can Help

California’s black bears are thriving. In fact, they’re thriving so well that recent estimates by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) show their population may sit between 65,000 and 80,000—nearly double the previously reported figure of 35,000. On paper, this is a conservation success story. But the reality is more complicated. Large, stable wildlife populations only remain healthy when managed within the carrying capacity of their habitats. Right now, California faces a growing imbalance that not only impacts our bears but the broader ecosystem, too.

A Growing Imbalance

Historically, California allowed hound hunting—a highly regulated method shown to be effective in meeting bear harvest quotas. That changed in 2013 when legislation banned the use of hounds, leaving hunters with fewer options. Today, despite a state-set quota of 1,700 bears a year, hunters barely harvest more than 1,000. Estimates from biologists suggest that an annual harvest of up to 16% of the bear population (potentially 8,000 bears a year) could be sustained without endangering the species. Instead, we’re harvesting less than 3%—far below what’s considered sustainable.

A thriving black bear population may sound ideal, but it comes at a cost. High bear densities strain resources, increase conflicts, and can even lead to “animal welfare” issues when food becomes scarce. In several areas, black bears heavily predate on deer fawns—threatening local mule deer populations—and displace mountain lions from their kills in a behavior called kleptoparasitism. We’re also seeing more bears in neighborhoods and towns, with communities like Mammoth, Truckee, and Lake Tahoe frequently dealing with break-ins and property damage.

Science, Conservation, and Responsibility

The updated scientific data makes it clear: there’s an imbalance when it comes to how many bears California’s habitats can handle. This isn’t about demonizing black bears; it’s about exercising stewardship. When a species outgrows its environment, the consequences ripple through the entire food chain. Mule deer populations, mountain lions, and even the bears themselves feel the effects.

Effective management tools—including regulated hunting methods—help keep wildlife populations in check, reducing competition for resources and curbing dangerous human-bear interactions. That’s where Assembly Bill 1038 (AB 1038) comes in.

Bear as Food: A Tradition and a Law

A lesser-known fact is that black bear meat is both legal and commonly consumed by hunters who harvest these animals. In California, it’s actually required by law to use the edible portions of any legally taken black bear, ensuring the animal is not wasted. Bear meat can be prepared in diverse and delicious ways—from roasts to sausages—and many hunters prize bear fat for cooking and baking. While this may be surprising to some, it underscores an important point: bear hunting is not just about population control—it also provides a sustainable source of meat, respecting the animal by utilizing as much of it as possible.

Introducing AB 1038

AB 1038 aims to restore the option for dog pursuit in regulated bear hunting. By updating the state’s Bear Management Plan with the latest science, AB 1038 would allow the Fish and Game Commission to determine when and how to open specific pursuit-only seasons or hunting seasons. Far from a “blank check” to hunt bears indiscriminately, this bill is designed to give wildlife managers the flexibility and tools they need to keep black bear populations healthy—while reducing conflicts with humans and mitigating negative impacts on deer, mountain lions, and other wildlife.

Key points of AB 1038 include:

• Science-Based Decisions: The Fish and Game Commission would rely on updated, peer-reviewed data about bear numbers and habitat capacity to make informed, targeted decisions.
• Pursuit-Only Options: Trained dogs could be used solely to haze and disperse bears, teaching them to avoid populated areas without necessarily resorting to lethal measures.
• Regulated Harvest: If data confirms that bear populations exceed healthy thresholds, a strictly controlled hunting season could help realign numbers with habitat capacity.

Take Action: Support AB 1038

California’s black bear success story is remarkable, but it’s also a warning sign. Without proper management, even a flourishing species can reach a tipping point. By supporting AB 1038, we encourage science-based wildlife management that preserves biodiversity, protects public safety, and ensures that our state’s black bears remain a vibrant feature of our natural heritage.

Ready to Make a Difference?

CLICK HERE to learn more about AB 1038 and how you can take action. Let’s ensure that California’s wildlife policies are guided by current research, responsible stewardship, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of all species—including our iconic black bears.