Grizzly Bear in California: what to know before you start looking
The California grizzly bear is extinct in the wild, with the last confirmed sighting in 1922. However, you can still learn to identify its historical range, explore museum exhibits, and spot the similar black bears that now inhabit California's forests. Here's what you need to know.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 10, 2026.
- 75
- verified records
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
Only 0 verified observations on iNaturalist of grizzly bear have been logged in California, which fits how rare they are in the state. That low number is itself the most honest answer to whether you are likely to see one here.
State
California
Animal
Grizzly Bear
Route
State wildlife guide
The California grizzly bear is extinct in the wild, with the last confirmed sighting in 1922. However, you can still learn to identify its historical range, explore museum exhibits, and spot the similar black bears that now inhabit California's forests. Here's what you need to know.
Is the grizzly bear still found in California?
No, the California grizzly bear (Ursus arctos californicus) has been extinct in the state since the early 20th century. The last known wild grizzly was killed in Tulare County in 1922. Today, the only bears in California are black bears, which are smaller and lack the prominent shoulder hump of a grizzly. If you're hoping to spot a grizzly, your best bet is to visit museums or historical sites.
What was the historical habitat of the California grizzly?
Historically, California grizzlies roamed across much of the state, from the coastal ranges and Central Valley to the Sierra Nevada foothills. They were especially common in oak woodlands, grasslands, and riparian areas. They were also found in chaparral and mixed conifer forests. Today, you can explore these same habitats to understand where they lived and to see the black bears that replaced them.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
When is the best time to look for bears in California?
For black bears, the best times are spring (April-June) when they emerge from hibernation and are active during the day, and late summer to fall (August-October) when they bulk up for winter. Early morning and late evening offer the best odds. Grizzly season is over, but these same windows work for black bear viewing in places like Yosemite, Sequoia, and the Sierra Nevada.
See ourGrizzly Bear trunkfor the next step.
How can you tell a black bear from a grizzly?
One practical clue for beginners: black bears have a straight face profile and no shoulder hump, while grizzlies have a dished face and a large hump over the shoulders. Also, black bear claws are short and curved, while grizzly claws are long and straight. In California, if you see a bear, it's almost certainly a black bear. For more detailed identification tips, visit ourgrizzly bear identification guide.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Where can you see bear-related exhibits or preserved grizzlies in California?
Museums such as the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco and the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at UC Berkeley have preserved grizzly specimens and exhibits. In addition, the state flag and many historical markers celebrate the grizzly. You can also see black bears in the wild at places like Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and the Sierra National Forest.
What other wildlife might you encounter in California's bear country?
California's forest and mountain habitats are home to a variety of animals. While exploring, you may spotdeer, hawks, owls, bald eagles, foxes, and herons. Each has its own spotting cues. For example, look for red-tailed hawks perched on roadside poles and great horned owls at dusk near forest edges. These encounters add to the experience of exploring the same landscapes that once held grizzlies.
Ready to show your bear pride?
After learning about California's grizzly history, you might want to commemorate the spirit of the bear. Check out these items from our collection:
Grizzly Bear Mug
A great gift for anyone who loves bears or California history. Perfect for your morning coffee.Check Price and Availability
Vintage 90s Bear Graphic T-Shirt
Roam free in this soft tri-blend tee featuring a boho bear design. Ideal for outdoor adventures.Check Price and Availability
For more bear-themed apparel, head over to ourwildlife t-shirtspage.
Forest Animal Sticker Sheet, forest stickers, woodland animals, nature, bear, fox, owl, deer, planner, journal, calendar, bujo, scrapbooking
Die-cut vinyl bear and mountain silhouette sticker. Waterproof and weatherproof.Check Price and Availability
What do people commonly ask about grizzly bears in California?
**Can you still find grizzly bears in California?** No, they are extinct in the state. The last one was killed in 1922.
**What is the difference between a black bear and a grizzly?** Black bears have a straight face and no hump; grizzlies have a dished face and a hump.
**Where can I see a grizzly bear in California?** Only in museums or historical exhibits. Live grizzlies are no longer present.
**Are there any plans to reintroduce grizzly bears to California?** There are no active reintroduction plans.
**What should I do if I see a bear in California?** It's a black bear. Stay calm, back away slowly, and do not run. Secure food and trash.
Plan your grizzly bear trip in California
Start with live tours near Alcatraz Island, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Alcatraz Island
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main grizzly bear viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Alcatraz Island
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best grizzly bear viewing area in California.
Viator
Broader backupBook a grizzly bear tour in California
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Plan your grizzly bear sighting in California
75 verified grizzly bear records have been logged in California, most recently in 1999. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in California
- Alcatraz Island · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cabrillo National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Channel Islands National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Death Valley National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Devils Postpile National Monument · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Is the grizzly bear still found in California?+
No, the California grizzly bear (Ursus arctos californicus) has been extinct in the state since the early 20th century. The last known wild grizzly was killed in Tulare County in 1922. Today, the only bears in California are black bears, which are smaller and lack the prominent shoulder hump of a grizzly. If you're hoping to spot a grizzly, your best bet is to visit museums or historical sites.
What was the historical habitat of the California grizzly?+
Historically, California grizzlies roamed across much of the state, from the coastal ranges and Central Valley to the Sierra Nevada foothills. They were especially common in oak woodlands, grasslands, and riparian areas. They were also found in chaparral and mixed conifer forests. Today, you can explore these same habitats to understand where they lived and to see the black bears that replaced them. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
When is the best time to look for bears in California?+
For black bears, the best times are spring (April-June) when they emerge from hibernation and are active during the day, and late summer to fall (August-October) when they bulk up for winter. Early morning and late evening offer the best odds. Grizzly season is over, but these same windows work for black bear viewing in places like Yosemite, Sequoia, and the Sierra Nevada. See ourGrizzly Bear trunkfor the next step.
How can you tell a black bear from a grizzly?+
One practical clue for beginners: black bears have a straight face profile and no shoulder hump, while grizzlies have a dished face and a large hump over the shoulders. Also, black bear claws are short and curved, while grizzly claws are long and straight. In California, if you see a bear, it's almost certainly a black bear. For more detailed identification tips, visit ourgrizzly bear identification guide. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Where can you see bear-related exhibits or preserved grizzlies in California?+
Museums such as the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco and the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at UC Berkeley have preserved grizzly specimens and exhibits. In addition, the state flag and many historical markers celebrate the grizzly. You can also see black bears in the wild at places like Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and the Sierra National Forest.
What other wildlife might you encounter in California's bear country?+
California's forest and mountain habitats are home to a variety of animals. While exploring, you may spotdeer, hawks, owls, bald eagles, foxes, and herons. Each has its own spotting cues. For example, look for red-tailed hawks perched on roadside poles and great horned owls at dusk near forest edges. These encounters add to the experience of exploring the same landscapes that once held grizzlies.
Ready to show your bear pride?+
After learning about California's grizzly history, you might want to commemorate the spirit of the bear. Check out these items from our collection: ### Grizzly Bear Mug A great gift for anyone who loves bears or California history. Perfect for your morning coffee.Check Price and Availability ### Vintage 90s Bear Graphic T-Shirt Roam free in this soft tri-blend tee featuring a boho bear design. Ideal for outdoor adventures.Check Price and Availability For more bear-themed apparel, head over to ourwildlife t-shirtspage. ### Forest Animal Sticker Sheet, forest stickers, woodland animals, nature, bear, fox, owl, deer, planner, journal, calendar, bujo, scrapbooking Die-cut vinyl bear and mountain silhouette sticker. Waterproof and weatherproof.Check Price and Availability
What do people commonly ask about grizzly bears in California?+
**Can you still find grizzly bears in California?** No, they are extinct in the state. The last one was killed in 1922. **What is the difference between a black bear and a grizzly?** Black bears have a straight face and no hump; grizzlies have a dished face and a hump. **Where can I see a grizzly bear in California?** Only in museums or historical exhibits. Live grizzlies are no longer present. **Are there any plans to reintroduce grizzly bears to California?** There are no active reintroduction plans. **What should I do if I see a bear in California?** It's a black bear. Stay calm, back away slowly, and do not run. Secure food and trash.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in California