SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick (R-Alturas) has introduced Assembly Bill 1038, aiming to manage California’s increasing black bear population through non-lethal methods. The bill proposes the reintroduction of a “pursuit season,” allowing trained dogs to haze bears without causing them harm.
“Bears are out of control in California, while rural communities live in fear of their lives and livelihoods,” Hadwick stated. “Wildlife managers need more tools to responsibly manage the bear population and protect the public. This bill will keep bears wild and our communities safe.”
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the state’s black bear population has more than doubled over the past decade, now estimated between 50,000 and 81,000. This surge has led to increased human-wildlife conflicts, including California’s first confirmed fatal black bear attack in 2024 in Downieville.
AB 1038 seeks to authorize trained houndsmen to use dogs to chase and haze bears, reinstating a natural fear response and deterring them from populated areas. The bill also empowers the Fish and Game Commission to establish a bear hunting season utilizing dogs as an additional management tool.
The legislation is scheduled for hearings in the state Assembly in the coming weeks.
Assemblywoman Hadwick represents the 1st Assembly District, encompassing portions of Amador, El Dorado, and Placer counties, along with Alpine, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, and Siskiyou counties.
For more information on AB 1038 and its progress, visit the California Legislative Information website.
This article is based on information available as of February 27, 2025.
