Judge rules 2,000 Catalina Island deer can be killed to save native plant species
Cull of animals that eat native shrubs, causing spread of fast-igniting grasses, to go ahead despite fierce opposition Locals and tourists have long fawned over Catalina Island’s mule deer population. For nearly a century, the ungulates have roamed the land’s waterfronts and woodlands, so comfortable around humans that it is not uncommon to spot deer roaming downtown Avalon. But that sight will…
A judge has approved a plan to cull nearly all of the 2,000 mule deer on Catalina Island to protect native plant species. The non-profit conservancy controlling most of the island off the southern California coast claimed that the deer's consumption of native shrubs has led to an invasion of fast-igniting grasses that increase wildfire risk.
Despite fierce opposition, including over 32,000 signatures against the plan, a county judge denied a preliminary injunction against it. The conservancy will now proceed with a five-year plan to eliminate the island's deer population, beginning with an estimated 200 deer to be hunted with rifles over the next two months. The conservancy explains that they understand the gravity of the situation but view it as a necessary sacrifice for the island's native plants, animals, and residents who depend on the island.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian US's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
