Information about the official state animal of California,
the California grizzly bear (Ursus californicus). The
species died out in California in the early 1920's and
it was declared the official California state animal
in 1953.
From the California State Library: The California Grizzly
The California grizzly bear (Ursus californicus)
was designated official State Animal in 1953.
Before dying out in California, this largest and
most powerful of carnivores thrived in the great
valleys and low mountains of the state, probably
in greater numbers than anywhere else in the United
States. As humans began to populate California,
the grizzly stood its ground, refusing to retreat
in the face of advancing civilization. It killed
livestock and interfered with settlers. Less than
75 years after the discovery of gold, every grizzly
bear in California had been tracked down and killed.
The last one was killed in Tulare County in
August 1922, more than 20 years before the authority
to regulate the take of fish and wildlife was delegated
to the California Fish and Game Commission by the
State Legislature.
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