☝️ TLDR: The California grizzly bear is extinct, but its spirit of independence and strength lives on through the Californian flag
Though the California grizzly bear is extinct, the spirit of the bear remains a powerful symbol of resilience and independence for Californians. Today, the flag continues to embody the state’s bold, pioneering identity and is a beloved part of California’s culture.
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The California state flag is one of the most recognizable state flags in the U.S., featuring a bear, a red star, a white background, and a red stripe along the bottom. The California grizzly bear, proudly depicted on the flag, symbolizes strength and independence. However, this majestic creature is now extinct, with the last known California grizzly bear sighted in the early 20th century. So, if you’ve ever wondered, what bear is on the California flag, it’s the now-extinct California grizzly bear.
The flag has roots in the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846, when American settlers declared California an independent republic, rebelling against Mexican rule. The original Bear Flag was hoisted in Sonoma, featuring a crude drawing of the bear and the words “California Republic.” After California became a U.S. state in 1850, this design evolved into the current California state flag, which was officially adopted in 1911.
The bear has been a popular symbol in heraldry, representing perseverance and strength. The bear on the California flag not only reflects these traits but also highlights the state’s rugged and wild past. This flag has been featured in various films and TV shows, further solidifying its iconic status. Conversations regularly spark on whether zoologists should re-introduce the grizzly bear back into the Californian wilderness.
📌 Fun Fact: The Bear is a Bulldog!
California grizzly bear was so feared and respected by early settlers that they referred to it as the “bulldog of the mountains.” This bear was renowned for its incredible strength and fierce reputation, being able to take down large prey, including cattle.
There are many flags across the globe that use bears in their symbolism!
| 🎌Flag Name | 🗺️Country/Region | 🐻Symbolism |
| California State Flag | United States (California) | Features a grizzly bear symbolizing strength, independence, and resilience, tied to the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846. |
| Bern Flag | Switzerland (Canton of Bern) | Depicts a black bear, symbolizing the region’s historical ties to the bear as a symbol of power and fearlessness. |
| Madrid City Flag | Spain (Madrid) | Features a bear and a strawberry tree, representing Madrid’s historical connection to these elements and its coat of arms. |
| Berlin State Flag | Germany (Berlin) | The bear represents the city’s namesake, “Berlin,” which is derived from the German word for bear, symbolizing strength and endurance. |
| Cantabria Flag | Spain (Cantabria) | Depicts a bear as part of the region’s coat of arms, symbolizing the historical presence of bears in the Cantabrian Mountains. |
| Zakarpatska Oblast Flag | Ukraine (Zakarpatska Oblast) | Features a bear in the regional coat of arms, symbolizing the strength and perseverance of the people of this mountainous region. |
| Bear Flag of Basel | Switzerland (Canton of Basel) | Depicts a bear paw, symbolizing the power and strength of the region and its people. |
| Bear of St. Gallen | Switzerland (Canton of St. Gallen) | Shows a black bear climbing, representing courage and the historical bear population in the region. |
| Haida Gwaii Flag | Canada (Haida Nation) | Features a bear as part of the indigenous Haida people’s cultural heritage, symbolizing strength and protection. |
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