Catalina deer eradication plan proceeds
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Catalina Island Conservancy started killing 2,000 mule deer Tuesday under state permit.
Opponents, including Supervisor Hahn, cite wildfire risk and public safety as deer removal proceeds.
Background
The Catalina Island Conservancy, which manages 88% of the island, announced a plan to eradicate all mule deer over four to five years using contracted hunters, as part of an ecosystem restoration effort. The deer are non-native and have been on the island for nearly a century. The plan has faced opposition from residents, animal advocates, and some officials, leading to a lawsuit and last-minute appeals.
How it unfolded
- Aug 31, 2026Supervisor Janice Hahn sent a last-ditch appeal to Governor Newsom, raising wildfire danger concerns and criticizing the state's review process.
- Sep 1, 2026A hearing was scheduled for the coalition's lawsuit challenging the plan, the same day the Conservancy was authorized to begin killing deer.
- Sep 2, 2026The Catalina Island Conservancy was authorized to start killing deer under a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and said it would proceed while awaiting a final ruling.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The Catalina Island Conservancy says the eradication is necessary for ecosystem restoration and will proceed under the state permit.
- Opponents
- Supervisor Janice Hahn and the Coalition Against the Slaughter of Catalina Deer argue the plan is extreme, unnecessary, and poses unintended consequences, including increased wildfire risk.
Still unverified
The claim that deer removal will increase wildfire risk is based on a warning from LA County Fire Chief Tony Marrone, but it is not confirmed and is part of the opposition's argument.