Jooish

Thousands Of Deer On Catalina Island Could Begin Being Killed Today A controversial plan to eradicate Catalina Island’s mule deer population could begin as soon as today, September 1. The Catalina Island Conservancy has state authorization to eliminate thousands of deer, arguing the non-native animals are damaging the island’s ecosystem. But Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to immediately suspend or revoke the permit. Hahn says eliminating the entire deer population could have unintended consequences, including potentially increasing wildfire danger because the deer currently consume vegetation that can become fire fuel. Opponents are also challenging the eradication plan in court, with a hearing scheduled for today.