The California golden bear or California grizzly (ursus arctos californicus) once roamed the shores and hills of California. This legendarily ferocious though largely vegetarian omnivore is believed to have once numbered 10,000 within the state. The arrival of European explorers and the population explosion generated by the California Gold Rush triggered this massive animal's decline. Subsequent habitat loss and eradication from coastal areas and lowlands left survivors only in inland areas such as here and remote mountain areas. Even after the bear was extinct in well settled regions it remained a target of sport hunters until it disappeared in August 1922 when the last one was shot at Horse Corral Meadows in Tulare County (36.03861 -118.37306, 225 miles south-east ).
We can suppose one lived here. Take a moment to appreciate a slice of its range while searching.
This cache is only accessible via kayak/canoe. You will have to launch at the free dock the Cosumnes River Preserve provides at N 38° 15.812 W 121° 26.396. Make sure you review the Cosumnes River Preserve Paddling Guide before attempting this cache. Among the most important rules to follow while in the preserve is to NOT get out of your boat except at the three points the preserve has designated.
Bring your camera and binoculars. You are likely to encounter a large variety of waterbirds, turtles, raptors, amphibious animals, and maybe even a wild feline on the way here. But you won't have to keep an eye out for California grizzlies.
This cache is dedicated to MGriz, a good friend and the most prolific creator of kayak caches known to me. The first finder will find a bear waiting at the cache. It will reveal its true temperament to those who are brave enough to place their fingers in its mouth.
This cache was placed in cooperation with the Cosumnes River Preserve. Any cache placed within the preserve should get prior approval from its management. Check out the
CRPs Facebook page.