California officials move forward with plans to exterminate mule deer from island

California wildlife officials have approved a plan by the Catalina Island Conservancy to eradicate the non-native mule deer population from Santa Catalina Island over five years. The Conservancy argues the deer threaten the island's biodiversity, water quality, and fire resilience. The plan involves hired shooters, potentially using helicopters, drones, and dogs, to eliminate approximately 1,800 deer. Captured deer may also be sterilized and released. The deer meat will be used to feed captive birds or given to tribal partners. The plan has faced opposition from island residents who view the deer as an iconic part of the island's identity, despite their introduction in the 1920s. The Conservancy maintains that recreational hunting has been insufficient in controlling the deer population and that their presence harms the native flora.

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