Is the California Bear on the Flag Extinct?
The California grizzly bear (Ursus arctos californicus) is extinct. This subspecies of brown bear vanished from the wild in the early 20th century. While its image remains a powerful symbol on the California state flag, the living animal no longer roams its native territory.
The California Grizzly Bear Defined
The California grizzly bear was a large, imposing subspecies of the brown bear, sharing genetic ties with other North American brown bears. Historically, these bears inhabited almost all of California, with the exception of the most southeastern and northeastern corners of the state. They were particularly abundant in chaparral, oak woodland, and hardwood forests, thriving across a range of habitats from valleys to seashores and high-elevation alpine zones.
Adult male California grizzlies typically weighed around 1,000 pounds, with some individuals reaching up to 2,200 pounds, making them among the largest bears ever documented. Females were smaller, averaging about 400 pounds. These bears stood approximately 4.5 feet at the shoulder and could reach 8 feet when standing upright. Their fur was often described as golden-brown, sometimes called “California golden bear,” and they possessed a distinctive shoulder hump.
The Path to Extinction
Prior to European settlement in the mid-1700s, an estimated 10,000 grizzly bears roamed California. The arrival of Spanish and American settlers initiated a rapid population decline. Conflicts arose as human settlements expanded, and grizzlies sometimes preyed on livestock. This perceived threat, coupled with hunting for sport, fur, and entertainment, contributed to their demise.
The California Gold Rush, beginning in 1848, further accelerated their eradication. A massive influx of settlers led to widespread hunting, trapping, and poisoning. Less than 75 years after the Gold Rush, most grizzly bears in California had been killed. The last hunted California grizzly bear was shot in Tulare County in August 1922. The last confirmed sighting occurred in 1924 near Sequoia National Park.
Bears in Modern California
Despite the California grizzly’s extinction, bears still inhabit the state. California is home to a population of American black bears (Ursus americanus). These bears are distinct from grizzlies in size and behavior. Black bears range in color from black to cinnamon or brown, lack a prominent shoulder hump, and have a less concave facial profile.
Black bears are significantly smaller than grizzlies. Adult males weigh between 200 and 350 pounds, with females weighing 120 to 180 pounds. California’s black bear population is estimated between 49,000 and 71,000 individuals, concentrated in the northern and Sierra Nevada regions. They occupy diverse habitats, including forests and grasslands, and are adaptable omnivores, with a diet primarily consisting of plants and fruits.
A Lasting Symbol
The California grizzly bear, despite its extinction, continues to be a powerful and recognizable emblem of the state. Its image prominently features on the California state flag and seal, symbolizing California’s wilderness, strength, and past. The “Bear Flag,” first raised during the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt, incorporated the grizzly as a central element, becoming the basis for the official state flag adopted in 1911.
The bear’s presence on the flag, with a red star and stripe, serves as a historical nod to the short-lived California Republic. The grizzly’s image represents a connection to the state’s wild heritage and pioneering spirit.