In Santa Catalina Island, Los Angeles County, a comprehensive ecological management plan aimed at removing thousands of mule deer is causing a division among local government, conservation agencies, and the community. Supporters emphasize the urgency of restoring the native ecosystem, while opposers question the methods and decision-making basis, warning of potential new environmental risks.
In January 2026, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) approved a deer eradication plan proposed by the Catalina Island Conservancy. The plan aims to remove an estimated 1,800 to 2,200 mule deer from the island over the coming years.
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are native to the western United States and were introduced to the island in the early 20th century. With a lack of natural predators and favorable environmental conditions, their population has continued to grow. The conservancy points out that the deer population’s long-term browsing has put pressure on the island’s ecosystem.
According to the plan, the operation will be carried out through ground-based hunting by professional teams. While aerial methods were discussed earlier, they were not included in the final plan due to public opposition.
The Catalina Island Conservancy states that removing the deer herd is one of the key measures to restore the island’s native vegetation, including some rare plants endemic to the area. The organization also believes that reducing the deer population will help improve habitat conditions, promote the recovery of other species, and may have positive effects on water resource management.
Supporters generally believe that if the long-term impacts of invasive species are not controlled, irreversible ecological changes may occur.
However, the plan has faced opposition from some local officials. Dawyn Harrison, legal counsel for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, wrote to relevant entities in March of this year, requesting a review of the permit and questioning the necessity and implementation of the plan.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn also publicly called for prioritizing the evaluation of alternative options, such as sterilization and relocation, to reduce direct harm to animals. She also raised concerns about the estimation method of the deer population, suggesting the use of more precise monitoring technology.
The debate over whether the deer population affects wildfire risk has become another core controversy. Anthony C. Marrone, Chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, pointed out that deer, through browsing vegetation, may to some extent reduce fine combustible materials on the ground; if completely removed, these combustible materials could accumulate, affecting the risk of fires.
However, there are ecological viewpoints that suggest excessive grazing may alter vegetation structure, leading to different impacts on long-term fire risks. There are differing scientific assessments on this matter.
This controversy highlights a typical challenge in island ecological management: when invasive species have been present in the area for decades or even longer, should the priority still be restoring them to their native state?
On one hand, conservation agencies emphasize the importance of biodiversity and native habitats; on the other hand, some residents and advocates find the large-scale removal of animals ethically challenging and advocate for seeking more gentle management strategies.
Currently, the deer removal plan is still subject to policy and public opinion discussions. There is no consensus yet on how to strike a balance between ecological conservation, animal welfare, and public safety.
As the planned implementation time approaches, the related controversies are expected to continue brewing. ◇