"On Friday, the California Fish and Wildlife Department approved a permit that allows all of Catalina Island’s mule deer to be shot and killed within five years."
"California wildlife officials have approved a plan to eradicate Catalina’s entire deer population as part of a broader effort to restore the island ecosystem, sparking fierce opposition from an unusual coalition of hunters and animal welfare advocates.
Per the plan conceived by the Catalina Island Conservancy, professional hunters will shoot the island’s non-native mule deer on the ground over four to five years.
The conservancy, which owns and manages 88% of the island, says getting rid of the deer is necessary to bring back the island’s unique plants — including the Catalina Island mountain mahogany, which may be the rarest tree in North America. That in turn would reduce wildfire risk, restore groundwater and allow other animals to thrive, according to the nonprofit."
Lila Seidman reports for the Los Angeles Times February 3, 2026.
