Where I live there used to be bears. Not just any bears but grizzly bears. I live in Southern California. It’s hard to image when driving around SoCal that a huge beast of a animal used to roam in the valleys and foothills. Many people don’t know that in the area where I live, in SoCal, there where never black bears, only grizzlies.
Grizzly bears used to be found in places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, and Sacramento many years ago. Near where I live are places named Bear Valley, Los Oso (spanish for bear), Oso Moutain, and Grizzly Flats. The indians, the Spanish, the Mexican, the 49′ers, and Americans all experience life living amoungst the grizzies. The grizzly was killed for sport, and to protect livestock and humans. The last California Grizzly was thought to have been killed in 1922 in Fresno county. One of the largest grizzlies ever recorded was killed a few miles away from my home. It was nearly 2,200 lbs. This bear was killed because it was threatening humans and cattle. Even in 1922 it was too crowded for humans and the bears to coexist.
The California grizzly now only exist on the California state flag. There are black bears. They inhabit most of the mountainous areas of California except for the mountains of San Diego County. People are having a hard time living with them also. I have seen black bear and it is very exciting seeing something so large and wild.
There is a Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan and a California Grizzly Reintroduction Team. They want to bring the grizzlies back to California. But not a lot of people are not happy about that. Besides, all the true California Grizzly are extinct. They propose to bring in bears from other parts of the country. But would it be the same?
I like the idea that there are still things in nature that can scare us. I like that it’s still a little wild out there. Please enjoy the artwork I have gathered. These are some of my favorite artists who have created artwork containing bears.
Start at the top image and working down :
Bird and Bear by Caroline Inckles
Jointogether Caroline Inckle’s shop
Ready to Go by Cathy Gaubert
Teddy Bear by yo*ko
He Says He Can Hear the Forest Whisper by Hide N Seek
Party Bear by Art and Ghosts
You know how “oso” means bear? Well in spanish “those bears” would be “esos osos”
You are such a frick’in know it all. Stay off my blog.
Love Mom
No! you told me to post! so you’ll read what i wrote and you’ll like it!
oh, and i wuv u!
Fun images to carry in my head as my redneck husband takes me camping for a solid month in Glacier National Park and Yellowstone Park.
I don’t know if I should post this but a school mate of my daughter was hiking in Glacier National Park with her Dad and got attack by a grizzly. They both survived, but the dad is now bald. He used to have hair. I saw them on the tv show and they where pretty brave and held no animosity against the bear.
These are great items! I especially like the yo*ko bear!
Lovely illustrations and art work! I guess bears are still no 1. in kids playrooms, don`t you think?
nice!!!
I’m loving the bear. And I think you have spotted the next trend – we’ve had birds, we’ve had owls, we’ve had squirrels and elephants – and now bring on the bears!
I grew up in S. Cal. and you know, that bear was a bear to draw on that flag in 4th grade! Most of the time he looked like a dog..The artists you have here do it better! Nice post, brings back bear memories. Isn’t UC Irvine’s mascot the anteater..what about that for the next animal trend?
I have been thinking about/sketching bears for a while now too. I think its time they had their due. I love Art & Ghosts’ party bear!
[...] If you love bears like I do then you might want to check out this post from bad bird. [...]
We’re pretty big fans of bears too. Had to share this shot my husband took.
oops…link didn’t make it. http://www.flickr.com/photos/wiredwitch/2488335772/