Wildlife Officers Determine Eureka Bear Death Was Not Poaching

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:47:44 GMT

Injured Bear Euthanized by Law Enforcement after Vehicle Strike

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has resolved public concern regarding reports of a poached bear in Eureka. Following a thorough investigation, officers determined the bear was not the victim of poaching but was instead humanely euthanized by law enforcement after sustaining severe injuries, likely from a vehicle strike.

On September 3, CDFW received a CALTIP report alleging two bears had been shot near Ridgewood Drive, south of Eureka. Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots during the overnight hours of Aug. 30, and suspicions circulated about potential poaching. A responding CDFW wildlife officer interviewed witnesses and canvassed the area but found no bear carcasses or physical evidence.

Further investigation revealed that, in the early morning of August 31, law enforcement partners from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and California Highway Patrol (CHP) jointly responded to reports of an injured bear repeatedly entering the roadway on Ridgewood Drive. The animal displayed severe head trauma, walked in circles, and was unable to escape traffic. To relieve the animal’s suffering and to ensure public safety, CHP officers humanely euthanized the single adult male bear at approximately 4:30 a.m. Witness reports of three gunshots matched the number of rounds fired.

Interviews with multiple residents and officials confirmed that only one bear was involved. The carcass was removed on September 2 by Humboldt County Road Services. No evidence supports claims of a second bear or illegal poaching. CDFW thanks community members who report suspected poaching and polluting incidents, which play a vital role in protecting California’s natural resources.

CALTIP (Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters) is a confidential program for reporting wildlife crimes. Anyone with information about potential violations is urged to call 1-888-334-CALTIP (888-334-2258), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Media Contact:
Jen Benedet, CDFW Communications, (916) 202-4465

California Fish and Game Commission Meets Remotely

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 16:24:58 GMT

At its February meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. The following are just a few items of interest from this week’s meeting.

The Commission readopted emergency regulation prohibiting the use of hydraulic pumps to take clams, sand crabs and shrimp.

The Commission adopted regulations to protect bull kelp that include a prohibition of commercial harvest in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, an annual limit of 8,000 lbs. in Humboldt and Del Norte counties and other measures to protect kelp.

The Commission adopted regulations to protect California’s iconic grunion populations by implementing a bag limit of 30 fish per person and extending the closed season by additional month to include the month of June.

The Commission voted unanimously to list San Bernardino kangaroo rat as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

The Commission continued the decision to determine whether or not listing southern California steelhead as endangered under CESA may be warranted.

The Commission continued the decision to ratify findings for the decision to list northern California summer steelhead as endangered under CSEA.

The Commission determined that listing Lime Ridge eriastrum as endangered under CESA may be warranted. This commences a one-year status review to be completed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Lime Ridge eriastrum is protected as a candidate species during that time.

The Commission voted unanimously to list Shasta snow-wreath as threatened under CESA.

The Commission adopted amendments to big game regulations to include preference points reinstatement and tag refunds due to public land closures. More information on how to apply for reinstatement will be available at CDFW’s licensing website.

The Commission received a petition (begins on page 44) from the Humane Society of the United States to eliminate open hunting season for black bear until CDFW updates its bear management plan including a census of the California black bear population. The Commission referred the petition to CDFW.

The full commission was present. At the meeting, the Commission elected Commissioner Samantha Murray as president, replacing outgoing President Peter Silva who is stepping down from the Commission effective Friday, Feb. 18. The Commission elected Commissioner Erika Zavaleta as vice president, a position previously held by President Murray. The Commission assigned chairs for its three committees. Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin was selected to continue as chair of the Tribal Committee. President Murray and Commissioner Erik Sklar will continue as co-chairs of the Marine Resources Committee. Vice President Erika Zavaleta will continue to serve on the Wildlife Resources Committee as chair.

The agenda for this meeting along with supporting information is available on the Commission website. An archived audio file will be available in coming days. The next meeting of the full Commission is scheduled for April 20-21, 2022. Please see the Commission website for details.

Media Contact:
Jordan Traverso, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352

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The California Fish and Game Commission was the first wildlife conservation agency in the United States, predating even the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries. There is often confusion about the distinction between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Commission. In the most basic terms, CDFW implements and enforces the regulations set by the Commission, as well as provides biological data and expertise to inform the Commission’s decision-making process.

CDFW News

Wildlife Officers Determine Eureka Bear Death Was Not Poaching

Injured Bear Euthanized by Law Enforcement after Vehicle Strike

California Fish and Game Commission Meets Remotely