The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors vehemently opposed a proposal by the Catalina Island Conservancy to eradicate the island’s entire mule deer population of over 1,770 animals through aerial sharpshooting from helicopters. The board unanimously passed a motion condemning the controversial program, expressing concerns about its inhumane nature and potential risk to the public.
The conservancy maintains that the deer are destroying native plants and animals, irreparably damaging the island’s ecosystem. However, the board believes alternative methods, such as mass sterilization, birth control, relocation, and extending the deer hunting season, should be explored instead.
The board’s opposition and recommendation for alternative strategies will be conveyed to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), which is currently reviewing a permit application for the program. The CDFW has yet to approve the permit and emphasized that nothing has been finalized.
Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn, who authored the motion, revealed that her office received a substantial number of calls and emails expressing objection to the deer eradication plan. An online petition garnered over 90,000 signatures in opposition, including 70,000 from Care2. Hahn urged the CDFW to deny the permit, compelling the conservancy to seek more acceptable compromises.
The conservancy asserts that alternative options are ineffective. Lauren Dennhardt, senior director of conservation, emphasized the vulnerability of 60 unique species of plants and animals on the island due to the deer’s grazing habits. She warned of irreversible ecological consequences if action is not taken promptly. Invasive species that are more susceptible to wildfires are replacing native plants, increasing the risk of blazes. The conservancy has planned a two-year ecosystem restoration project using native plant seeds, which they believe will be futile with the deer population present.
Dennhardt emphasized the critical role of this project in enhancing Catalina’s climate resilience. While acknowledging the emotional difficulty of eradicating the deer, she maintained that the island’s ecosystem must be prioritized.
Julie Benson, also with the conservancy, highlighted the support of 24 organizations for their plan. They propose that helicopter snipers would conduct the operation over six to seven weeks in the island’s interior, away from human settlements. Dennhardt cited the successful use of aerial shooting to reduce deer populations on Maui.
Winston Vickers, a wildlife veterinarian with research experience on the island, advocated for shooting as the most humane method of herd elimination. He cited scientific evidence demonstrating the detrimental impact of deer on the island’s ecology.
Despite these arguments, many island residents strongly反对 the eradication plan. They view the deer as an integral part of the island’s cultural heritage and a popular attraction for children. Diane Stone, representing the Catalina Island Humane Society, denounced the plan as brutal, unnecessary, and dangerous. The deer eradication plan also lacks support from the California Rifle and Pistol Association, which has joined forces with animal rights groups to oppose it.
Residents recalled the trauma inflicted on the community during a previous aerial shooting of goats. Brie Broussard, a local business owner, reported that tourists were dismayed and vowed not to return to the island after learning about the plan.
The CDFW is expected to decide on the permit after thoroughly reviewing the arguments and evidence presented by both sides.
