Why is California moving forward with a plan to eradicate mule deer on Catalina Island?

California wildlife officials have approved a five-year plan for the Catalina Island Conservancy to eradicate the non-native mule deer herd because they are considered a threat to local biodiversity, water quality, and fire resilience.

How will the mule deer be eradicated from Catalina Island?

The eradication plan involves hired shooters using bait, with operations potentially utilizing helicopters and drones for locating deer, especially at night. Some deer may also be captured for sterilization and fitted with GPS collars before release.

What are the local residents' concerns about the Catalina Island deer eradication plan?

Many local residents oppose the plan, viewing the mule deer as an iconic and cherished part of the island's identity and heritage, and consider the extermination methods to be cruel.

Home / Environment / Catalina Island Deer Face Extermination Amid Biodiversity Fight

Catalina Island Deer Face Extermination Amid Biodiversity Fight

4 Feb

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Summary

California officials approved a five-year plan to eradicate Catalina's non-native mule deer herd.
The conservancy cites threats to biodiversity and native plants from the deer population.
Island residents protest the plan, calling the deer an iconic local species.

Catalina Island Deer Face Extermination Amid Biodiversity Fight

California wildlife officials have advanced a plan to eliminate the mule deer herd on Santa Catalina Island over five years. This initiative pits the Catalina Island Conservancy against local residents who value the deer as part of the island's heritage. The conservancy contends that the non-native deer significantly harm local biodiversity, water sources, and fire resilience.

The approved permit allows for the eradication of about 1,800 deer, primarily through hired shooters using bait and night operations, potentially involving helicopters and drones. Efforts will also include capturing some deer for sterilization and GPS collaring before release. The meat from the culled deer is designated for the California Condor Recovery Program or tribal groups.