New CA bill would allow dogs to chase bears under regulated conditions

CALIFORNIA – Assemblymember Heather Hadwick introduced AB 1038 to let the Fish and Game Commission set seasons for using dogs to chase – or haze bears in an effort to promote public safety and ecological balance.

In 2024, the death of a 71-year-old woman, found in her cabin after being mauled by a black bear, marked the first fatal mauling in California.

The bill would let the commission create a bear hunting season where people with a bear tag can also use dogs to chase bears in approved areas.

According to Hadwick, bears are no longer afraid of humans.

“[This bill] will help our bears re-learn their natural fear of humans by using a humane, nonlethal, and science-backed approach that protects bears and people,” said Hadwick in the bill analysis.

Black bears are forcing mountain lions into suburban and urban areas

The updated Bear Management Plan shows California’s black bear population is 60,000.

Black bears were traditionally hunted in California using pursuit by dogs, which Hadwick says is the most effective method of take for harvesting bears.

The California legislature outlawed the use of dogs for hunting and the simple pursuit of bears beginning in 2013.

Since then, the annual bear harvest by hunters has averaged around 1,000, – below the 1,700 annual limit.

“Bears are now far beyond the carrying capacity of their traditional habitats, encroaching, and forcing mountain lions into suburban and urban areas,” said Hadwick.

Environmental groups argue that killing does not stop human-bear conflict

Hadwick said numerous environmental groups oppose the bill.

The organizations note that black bears have been under greater amounts of stress due to more frequent and extreme drought and wildfire. They also said numerous studies show that killing bears does not stop human-bear conflict.

Rather, they suggest that ‘programs promoting coexistence between people and wildlife, including education, capacity building, wildlife connectivity/corridor enhancements, and management of unnatural food sources (including trash) are going to be the most successful at reducing conflicts.’

The bill is being reconsidered in the Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife for further discussion.