Los Angeles County Supervisors Oppose Catalina Island Conservancy's Plan to Eradicate Mule Deer

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously rejected the Catalina Island Conservancy's controversial plan to eradicate up to 2,000 mule deer on Catalina Island using aerial sharpshooters from helicopters. In a motion presented by Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents the island, the board expressed strong opposition to the plan at their meeting on April 23, 2024.

Hahn called the conservancy's proposal an "extreme" solution and said she has heard from many constituents on and off the island who are against it. "I'm asking the conservancy to put this plan on hold and to work with the community to find a more widely accepted alternative," Hahn stated. The board suggested the conservancy consider other methods to manage the deer population, such as relocation, extending the deer hunting season, sterilization, and birth control.

The Catalina Island Conservancy argues that the mule deer, an invasive species on the island, are damaging the ecosystem by overgrazing and destroying native plant species. They say the deer threaten 60 unique species of plants and animals and increase wildfire risk. However, many island residents and animal rights groups oppose the aerial shooting plan, calling it inhumane and unnecessary. An online petition to stop the plan has garnered over 90,000 signatures.

Why this matters: The dispute over managing the mule deer population on Catalina Island highlights the often controversial nature of conservation efforts and the challenge of balancing ecosystem protection with animal welfare concerns. The outcome of this debate could establish a precedent for how similar situations are handled in other sensitive ecological areas.

The board will send a letter to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife voicing its opposition to the conservancy's plan and permit application. They will urge the agency to deny the permit, which would compel the conservancy to explore alternative solutions to the island's mule deer issue. "This is not going to happen, so let's move on from this and start looking at Plan B," Hahn said of the conservancy's proposal.

Key Takeaways

• LA County supervisors unanimously rejected Catalina Island Conservancy's plan to eradicate up to 2,000 mule deer.
• Supervisors urged the conservancy to explore alternative deer population management methods like relocation and sterilization.
• Conservancy argues deer are an invasive species damaging the ecosystem, but residents oppose the "inhumane" aerial shooting plan.
• Board will urge state wildlife agency to deny the conservancy's permit for the aerial shooting proposal.
• Outcome could set a precedent for managing sensitive ecosystems while addressing animal welfare concerns.