California revives Wildlife Coexistence Program amid record wolf pup boom

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Set us as preferred California is set to bring back a program aimed at reducing conflict between wild animals and people, as the state’s rebounding wolf population continues to cause concern among ranchers.Newsom signed a bill restoring the program Tuesday ahead of a “fireside chat” focused on biodiversity and natural resources, during which he described growing up with a father who was dedicated to protecting mountain lions, condors and other wildlife.Protecting nature is “a moral issue,” Newsom said, describing a “relationship we have to what’s above us, and … how that connects us to our Creator.”The California Department of Fish and Wildlife once employed 13 specialists dedicated to resolving human-wildlife conflicts, but it let all but one of them go after funding ran dry in 2024.The loss came as such clashes are increasing, with climate change and urban sprawl bringing people closer to bears, mountain lions and other animals.

Climate & Environment A bear linked to a spate of home break-ins in Sierra Madre in June was euthanized amid what city officials say is an uptick in conflict with the hulking animals.State Sen.Catherine Blakespear, author of Senate Bill 1135, said she’s seen it play out with sea lions around La Jolla Cove.

This year, someone kicked one of the marine mammals, she said, and in general there have been no government staffers “to provide the guardrails.” When the program ended, “we weren’t doing the education, and we didn’t have staff at the state that could help intervene or provide guidance,” Blakespear (D-Encinitas) told The Times.“It was a clear lack.” The legislation also codifies a program to compensate ranchers when they lose livestock to wolves or suffer indirect harm.

The program also provides money for nonlethal equipment to deter wolves, such as electr...