Episode Summary: Predator Management, California Style (Ep. 732)

Release Date: July 14, 2025

In Episode 732 of The MeatEater Podcast, host Steven Rinella engages in an in-depth discussion with Devin O'Day, the Western Policy and Conservation Manager at Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA). The episode delves into the complexities of black bear management in California, exploring historical contexts, recent policy changes, and future strategies to balance bear populations with human activities.

1. Introduction and Personal Anecdotes

The episode begins with a light-hearted exchange among the hosts about personal experiences, including a humorous story about an ice cream outing with Rinella's children. While these anecdotes set a casual tone, the conversation swiftly transitions to the main topic of black bear management in California.

Notable Quote:

"We have two little ones... we went to the playground and found our stuff mixed in with others." – Steve Rinella [02:14]

2. Background on Black Bear Populations in California

Devin O'Day provides a historical overview of black bear populations in California. In 1980, estimates placed the black bear population between 10,000 to 15,000. By 1998, the population had grown to approximately 17,000 to 23,000 bears, with notable expansions along the central coast and southern regions.

Notable Quote:

"In 1980, the population was around 10 to 15,000 bears... by 1998, it increased to 17 to 23,000." – Devin O'Day [48:31]

3. Legislative Changes and Hunting Regulations

A pivotal moment in California's black bear management occurred in 2012 when the legislature successfully banned hunting bears with dogs. This change led to a significant drop in harvest rates, with the quota for bear hunting remaining unmet since the ban.

Notable Quote:

"After the ban on hunting with dogs, the harvest rate drops significantly. We haven't hit the quota since then." – Devin O'Day [54:33]

The reduction in hunting efficacy not only affected bear populations but also had cascading effects on other species. For instance, increased bear numbers led to higher rates of kleptoparasitism, where bears steal kills from mountain lions, forcing the predators to hunt more frequently to compensate.

4. Impact on Ecosystems and Other Species

The episode highlights studies indicating that areas with higher bear populations experience increased predation pressures on mule deer due to bear interference with mountain lions. This interaction underscores the intricate balance within ecosystems and the unintended consequences of altering predator management policies.

Notable Quote:

"Black bears are opportunistic—they smell a dead deer and push the mountain lion off the kill. This has led mountain lions to kill six times the normal amount of deer." – Devin O'Day [58:00]

5. New Management Plans and Population Models

In response to declining harvest rates and rising bear conflicts, California initiated an updated Black Bear Management Plan. Investing over $2 million, the plan employs an Integrated Population Model (IPM) that incorporates hunter harvest data, collar tracking, camera traps, and hair snares to provide a more accurate assessment of bear populations.

Devin O'Day shares that current estimates place the black bear population between 59,000 to 80,000, making California home to one of the highest densities of black bears globally.

Notable Quote:

"According to the new IPM, we have between 59,000 to 80,000 black bears in California—the highest density in the world." – Devin O'Day [88:41]

6. Political Challenges and Humane Society Influence

The episode discusses the Humane Society's (HSUS) involvement in bear management policies. In 2021, HSUS filed a petition to the California Fish and Wildlife Commission advocating for a complete ban on bear hunting, citing erroneous population decline models influenced by reduced harvest rates.

Devin O'Day criticizes the HSUS for misrepresenting data and using climate change as a catch-all explanation without robust scientific backing. BHA countered by compiling extensive scientific research to demonstrate that bear populations are not collapsing but are instead thriving beyond previous estimates.

Notable Quote:

"The Humane Society petitioned the commission claiming bear populations are collapsing based on flawed hunter harvest data, which isn't a solid argument." – Devin O'Day [72:17]

Despite the petition being ultimately rejected, the episode underscores the ongoing tension between conservation groups and hunting organizations regarding predator management.

7. Future Directions and Management Strategies

Looking ahead, Devin O'Day remains optimistic about improving bear management in California. Strategies discussed include:

• Increasing Bear Hunting Quotas: Proposing additional bear tags to better align harvest rates with sustainable population levels.

• Expanding Hunting Zones: Opening new areas for bear hunting, particularly in northeastern California and the Modoc Plateau, where bear populations have recently expanded.

• Enhancing Hunting Regulations: Considering the reintroduction of hunting with dogs to improve harvest efficacy and mitigate bear-human conflicts.

Notable Quote:

"This year we'll see a second bear tag, expanded hunting zones into northeastern California, and possibly tweaks to the hunting season." – Devin O'Day [83:16]

Additionally, O'Day emphasizes the importance of continuous scientific research and community engagement to support informed decision-making in wildlife management.

8. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating the significance of sustainable hunting practices and the role of scientific data in shaping effective predator management policies. Steven Rinella urges listeners to support organizations like BHA that advocate for balanced and science-based wildlife conservation.

Notable Quote:

"We have a renewable resource... allowing those who want to utilize it to do so without imperiling the integrity of the species." – Steve Rinella [98:13]

Key Takeaways:

• Black Bear Populations in California: Historically underestimated, with recent estimates indicating a thriving population.

• Hunting Regulations Impact: The 2012 ban on hunting with dogs led to reduced harvest rates and increased bear-human conflicts.

• Integrated Population Models: Enhanced scientific methods provide more accurate bear population data, informing better management strategies.

• Political and Conservation Tensions: Conflicts between hunting organizations and groups like the Humane Society influence wildlife policies.

• Future Management Strategies: Proposals to increase hunting quotas, expand hunting zones, and possibly reinstate hunting with dogs to maintain balanced ecosystems.

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of predator management in California, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in maintaining sustainable black bear populations while addressing ecological and societal concerns.