California Considers Coexistence Program After Mama Bear Killing

State lawmakers propose new wildlife management policies following public outcry over euthanization of bear in Monrovia.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 11:22am

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration of a bear paw print repeated in a grid pattern, using bold neon colors and heavy black outlines to create a modern pop art effect that conceptually represents the public's demand for humane wildlife policies.The vibrant imagery of a repeated bear paw print symbolizes the public's call for more compassionate wildlife management policies in California.Monrovia Today

A month after a controversial incident where a mother bear was euthanized in Monrovia, California after swiping at a resident, state lawmakers are now considering new legislation that would mandate the use of nonlethal methods to help wildlife and humans coexist more peacefully.

Why it matters

The killing of the mama bear sparked significant public backlash, highlighting the need for more humane and proactive wildlife management policies in California communities facing increasing interactions between people and wild animals due to urban sprawl and habitat loss.

The details

In the Monrovia incident, the bear was euthanized after it swiped at a resident, despite the fact that no one was injured. This sparked outrage from animal advocates who argued that nonlethal deterrents should have been used instead. Now, state Sen. Catherine Blakespear is proposing legislation that would require wildlife agencies to prioritize nonlethal conflict resolution methods when dealing with bears and other wildlife.

  • The mama bear was euthanized in Monrovia in late March 2026.
  • State lawmakers are considering the new wildlife coexistence legislation in April 2026, about a month after the Monrovia incident.

The players

Sen. Catherine Blakespear

A California state senator who is proposing new legislation to mandate nonlethal wildlife management policies.

Monrovia

A city in California where a controversial incident occurred in which a mother bear was euthanized after swiping at a resident.

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What they’re saying

“We must find ways for wildlife and humans to coexist peacefully, without resorting to lethal measures except as an absolute last resort.”

— Sen. Catherine Blakespear, California State Senator

What’s next

The proposed wildlife coexistence legislation is currently under consideration by the California state legislature, with a vote expected in the coming months.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for more proactive and humane wildlife management policies in California, which is seeing increased conflicts between people and wild animals due to factors like urban development and habitat loss. The public outcry over the mama bear's killing could help drive positive change in how the state approaches these issues.