Judge rules 2,000 Catalina Island deer can be killed to save native plant species
Summary
A judge approved a plan allowing the Catalina Island Conservancy to kill most of the 2,000 mule deer on Catalina Island to protect native plants and reduce wildfire risks. The deer, introduced nearly 100 years ago, eat native shrubs, which has allowed invasive grasses to spread and increase fire danger.Key Facts
- Catalina Island has about 2,000 non-native mule deer introduced for hunting nearly 100 years ago.
- The deer eat native shrub plants, which are threatened by climate change.
- Loss of native shrubs leads to invasive grass growth that spreads fire faster.
- A judge denied a preliminary court request to stop the deer culling.
- The Catalina Island Conservancy controls 88% of the island and will carry out a five-year plan to remove the deer.
- About 200 deer will be hunted with rifles in the next two months as part of this plan.
- Other population control options like contraception, fencing, and predators were found not feasible.
- The culling aims to protect native species and reduce wildfire risks on the island.
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