The proposal to eliminate invasive mule deer from California’s Catalina Island by shooting them from helicopters has sparked strong opposition from Los Angeles County officials.
The Catalina Island Conservancy, which oversees the majority of the island’s land, initially submitted a plan to the Department of Fish and Wildlife last August to eradicate the deer population due to its detrimental impact on the island’s ecosystem.
However, the proposal has faced significant backlash from the public, prompting Janice Hahn, a Los Angeles County supervisor, to send a letter urging the rejection of the plan. Hahn, along with the other four supervisors, expressed concerns about the inhumane nature of the proposed method and its potential risks to public safety.
The Catalina Island Conservancy’s plan explores various approaches to manage the mule deer population, which was introduced to the island in the 1930s. The group highlights the destructive impact of the deer on native vegetation, as well as their susceptibility to starvation due to overpopulation.
While the Conservancy considered alternative methods such as sterilization and relocation, they concluded that these approaches would be challenging or ineffective. Ultimately, they deemed sharpshooting from helicopters as the most efficient way to remove large numbers of deer.
In response to the county’s objections, the Conservancy expressed disappointment but emphasized their commitment to finding a solution that ensures the island’s long-term sustainability while addressing community concerns.
Hahn’s letter reflects the widespread opposition to the eradication plans, with nearly 90,000 signatures gathered on petitions opposing the proposal. She called on the Conservancy to reconsider alternative strategies that had been previously dismissed.
The controversy underscores the complex challenges involved in managing invasive species and balancing conservation efforts with public sentiment and safety concerns.
