Sierra County Opposes Grizzly Bear Reintroduction Bill

SIERRA COUNTY — The Sierra County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a formal letter of opposition to Senate Bill 1305 during its regular meeting on May 5. The measure, introduced by Senator Laura Richardson, directs the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to develop a roadmap for potential grizzly bear reintroduction. The bill requires scientific assessments, tribal consultations, and community engagement, but does not authorize actual reintroduction until viability criteria are met.

The county letter, written by Supervisor Lee Adams and signed by Board Chair Paul Roen, states that much has changed in California since the last grizzly bear was seen in the state in 1924. California now has a population of 40 million people, which the letter describes as a poor habitat for the species. Sierra County depends economically on tourism and livestock operations, with 70% of its land comprising national forest system areas that recent studies have identified as potential grizzly bear habitat.

Supervisors noted ongoing challenges posed by gray wolves, which have been reintroduced into California over the past decade. The letter explains that wolves have not remained in natural habitats with elk and other prey but instead have moved into grazing lands, where cattle, horses, and other livestock have faced near-daily depredation. As recently as last month, a gray wolf attacked a family horse in a pasture next to the owners’ home, leading to the horse’s euthanasia.

“California has not yet shown the ability to effectively manage large, predatory animals listed under the California Endangered Species Act for human-wildlife conflict,” the letter states. It adds that the Department of Fish and Wildlife lacks the staff and financial resources to manage a new predator species or to establish a compensation fund for certain livestock losses. The letter cites a 2025 public comment from the department acknowledging that suitable habitat and food supplies no longer exist in California.

During the meeting, Supervisor Adams expressed frustration over the bill’s origins. “The senator who is proposing this is out of Inglewood, California,” Adams said, explaining that the historical range of grizzlies pervaded the state and suggesting the bears be reintroduced to more urban counties first if the bill should pass. Adams added that the county is not unsympathetic to the loss of grizzlies but emphasized that California has changed significantly since the species disappeared more than a century ago.

Supervisor Sharon Dryden expressed support for the letter, noting that the board has already declared a public safety emergency due to apex predators. Dryden called the proposal “absolutely ludicrous,” given current issues with wolves, mountain lions, and black bears. She described the letter as diplomatic and stated that stronger language might be needed if opposition efforts fail.

The letter was approved unanimously by board members. A separate opposition letter from the Rural County Representatives of California, representing 40 rural counties, echoes the same concerns and was included in the meeting packet. The Sierra County letter was sent to the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and other lawmakers ahead of the bill’s hearing.