This statement is the epitome of how to describe what happened to our state animal, the California Grizzly (Ursus arctos californicus).
Before California was nicknamed the "Golden State" it was actually the "Bear State", infamous for the thousands of monstrous grizzlies that once inhabited the region. As pioneers started migrating west during the 1840's due to the gold rush, these animals were being exterminated by hunters for their pelts and other valuable organs. This went on until in 1922, the last California grizzly was shot and taken in Tulare County. Although being endangered some 40,000 grizzlies still reside in Canada and Alaska. This article gives some information about the history and laws in place to protect these majestic animals. http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/animals/ca_grizzly_bear.htm
Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary

On the pacific coast of British Columbia, Canada there is a 110,000 acre sanctuary for these creatures where hunting them is strictly prohibited. The Khutzeymateen Valley is Canada's only grizzly bear sanctuary and home to one of BC's most important coastal populations of grizzly bears in the world. An estimated 50 grizzlies live in the park along with a vast majority of other critters that include wolves, beavers, otters, porcupine and other black bears.
http://www.spacesfornature.org/greatspaces/khutzey.html

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