Help End the Killing of Black Bears in California

Sign our petition to end black bear hunting statewide!

The situation for black bears in California is dire. Climate change, wildfires, drought and increased collisions with vehicles seriously threaten California’s bears. California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) also recently reported declines of up to 67% in the state black bear population, all while knowingly continuing to allow hunting and even considering a potential increase to hunting opportunities.

Recently, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) 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 diminishing black bear population as well as lack of adequate science. The commission plans to possibly vote on the HSUS petition at the next meeting on April 20-21. 

We’re partnering with the HSUS, BEAR League and other allied organizations to galvanize support for the hunting moratorium petition as well as for banning all black bear hunting in the state, which is supported by most Californians.

Let CFGC know that killing black bears is ethically and scientifically indefensible!

TAKE ACTION NOW –>

1) Sign our coalition’s petition in support of ending black bear hunting.

2) If you are a California resident:

• Please take a minute to send a personalized message to the CFGC supporting an end to bear killing. Commission members need to hear from you! Written comments will be accepted until the workshop date (see below).
• Attend the CFGC virtual workshop on April 20-21 (agenda and further meeting details will be found here) to discuss the petition asking for a moratorium on bear hunting (petition 2021/2022-027) and tell the Commissioners to support the petition, using the talking points provided in the letter.

To read more about why black bears should not be hunted, review the public comment letter we submitted to CFGC here.

California’s bears need your voice. Speak up now to protect them!

Thank you for acting today to protect California’s bears!

Francisco J. Santiago-Ávila, PhD
Big River Connectivity Science & Conservation Manager