Should grizzly bears return to the Golden State? The environmental group Rewilding Earth recently submitted a petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requesting a formal rule to do just that, according to the Sierra Daily News.

Specifically, the petition requests reintroducing over 1,000 grizzlies to areas they once roamed, including Yosemite, the Sierra Nevada and coastal mountain ranges, prior to their eradication in 1924. 

In April, a new study found that grizzly bears “likely can thrive” if returned to California in a peer-reviewed report published by the California Grizzly Alliance, Recovering Grizzly Bears in California. The study found that there are “no insurmountable biological, ecological, economic, legal or policy obstacles” to return the once native animals to the state.

However, Siskiyou County officials don’t think it’s a good idea, warning that returning grizzlies to the state would likely result in conflicts with humans, livestock and other species – and the California Cattleman’s Association said that “ranchers could face massive losses without proper protections,” according to the Sierra Daily News.

While the petition may be a step towards reintroduction efforts, years of environmental reviews, public input and policy decisions will likely delay any sort of forward momentum.

What do you think? Should grizzlies be reintroduced to their once-native state?