THE CALIFORNIA GRIZZLY BEAR, (Ursus horribilis californicus).—­No one protects grizzly bears, except in the Yellowstone Park and other game preserves.  For obvious reasons, it is impossible to say whether any individuals of this huge species now remain alive, or how long it will be until the last one falls before a .405 Winchester engine of extermination.  We know that a living specimen can not be procured with money, and we believe that “Old Monarch” now in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, is the last specimen of his species that ever will be exhibited alive.

I can think of no reason, save general Californian apathy, why the extinction of this huge and remarkable animal was not prevented by law.  The sunset grizzly (on a railroad track) is the advertising emblem of the Golden State, and surely the state should take sufficient interest in the species to prevent its total extermination.

But it will not.  California is hell-bent on exterminating a long list of her wild-life species, and it is very doubtful whether the masses can be reached and aroused in time to stop it.  Name some of the species?  Certainly; with all the pleasure in life:  The band-tailed pigeon, the white-tailed kite, the sharp-tailed grouse, the sage grouse, the mountain sheep, prong-horned antelope, California mule deer, and ducks and geese too numerous to mention.

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CHAPTER V

THE EXTERMINATION OF SPECIES, STATE BY STATE

Early in 1912 I addressed to about 250 persons throughout the United States, three questions, as follows: 

1.  What species of birds have become totally extinct in your state?

2.  What species of birds and mammals are threatened with early extinction?

3.  What species of mammals have been exterminated throughout your state?

These queries were addressed to persons whose tastes and observations rendered them especially qualified to furnish the information desired.  The interest shown in the inquiry was highly gratifying.  The best of the information given is summarized below; but this tabulation also includes much information acquired from other sources.  The general summary of the subject will, I am sure, convince all thoughtful persons that the present condition of the best wild life of the nation is indeed very grave.  This list is not submitted as representing prolonged research or absolute perfection, but it is sufficient to point forty-eight morals.

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BIRDS AND MAMMALS THAT HAVE BEEN TOTALLY EXTERMINATED IN VARIOUS STATES AND PROVINCES

ALABAMA: 

Passenger pigeon, Carolina parrakeet; puma, elk, gray wolf, beaver.

ARIZONA: 

Ridgway’s quail (Colinus ridgwayi); Arizona elk (Cervus merriami), bison.