Agencies Announce Plans To Reintroduce Grizzly Bears to Central Coast
This week the Bureau of Land Management announced a controversial new program that the BLM describes as a necessary move toward returning California to its natural predatorial balance. The Golden Bruin Reintroduction Program was announced in conjunction with similar plans laid out by the California Department of Fish and Game and the Environmental Protection Agency.
"The Golden Bruin Reintroduction Program will now be a multi-agency collaborative effort,’ said B.L.M. spokesman Chris Giffen
Giffen, alongside representatives from the E.P.A. and California Fish and Game, went on to explain that until recently all three agencies had unknowingly been working three separate similar programs to reintroduce the Golden Bruin to Central California.
"Had someone not been on the ball and realized the similarities in these three programs, California would’ve faced a crisis with the over-reintroduction of the Golden Bruin to its original habitat," said E.P.A.'s Vincent Aiello, who also added, "There probably would have been some very unfortunate incidents."
The Golden Bruin, commonly known as Grizzly Bear, is a 700-800 pound aggressive predator not seen in California since the last one was killed in 1925.
The program has received mixed responses from special interest groups.
The National Rifle Association and Citizen Hunters of Large Prey have lauded the program as a way of both restoring essential elements of California ecology and restoring the tradition of Bear hunting. A rare show of support by traditionally conservative groups for what, are often perceived as liberal agencies.
Several ranchers expressed concern at Wednesday's press conference. Bill Williams a California Valley ranch owner questioned agency representatives about the safety of his cattle. "We finally have the coyotes under control and now you are going to bring back Grizzlies? That's just insane!"
The Program is set to begin at just after midnight on...