California’s black bears are already under pressure from habitat loss, vehicle collisions, droughts, and wildfires. Now, Assembly Bill 1038 threatens to bring back one of the most inhumane hunting practices in our state — chasing bears for miles with packs of dogs until they are exhausted, treed, and shot at point-blank range.

Bear hounding was banned in California in 2012 after overwhelming public opposition — 83% of voters said they opposed the practice. It’s cruel to bears, dangerous for dogs, and disruptive to other wildlife. Bears pursued by hounds suffer extreme stress, injuries, and even death. Pregnant bears may lose their young, and the dogs themselves can be injured or killed in altercations.

Supporters of AB 1038 claim California’s bear population is “out of control,” citing unverified estimates of 60,000–80,000 bears. Yet the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s own data shows black bear populations have been stable statewide for the past decade, with no evidence of dangerous overpopulation. The bill does nothing to change annual hunting quotas — meaning this isn’t about science-based wildlife management, it’s about reinstating a cruel “sport” that Californians have already rejected.

Hounding also risks serious unintended consequences: dogs can trespass onto private land, harm non-target species, and disrupt sensitive ecosystems. Instead of reintroducing a brutal and outdated hunting method, California should focus on proven, nonlethal strategies for reducing human-bear conflicts: securing trash, removing attractants, educating communities, and enforcing regulations.

Our bears are an iconic part of California’s wild heritage. They are shy, intelligent animals that help maintain healthy ecosystems. Trophy hunting and hounding will not make communities safer — but they will cause needless suffering and erode the public’s trust in wildlife stewardship.

We call on the California Legislature and Governor to reject AB 1038 and keep the ban on bear hounding in place. Californians have spoken before: we want humane, science-based policies that protect our wildlife, not cruel practices that belong in the past.

Sign this petition to demand our leaders stand up for California’s bears — and keep bear hounding banned for good.