California Legislature Sends Landmark Wildlife Coexistence Bill to Governor

The California state legislature today passed with bipartisan support a landmark bill to re-establish the statewide Wildlife Coexistence Program within the Department of Fish and Wildlife, which will better manage and reduce human-wildlife conflict through non-lethal and proactive strategies. Defenders of Wildlife co-sponsored Senate Bill 1135 with the National Wildlife Federation and now calls on Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign the bill into law.

“SB 1135 creates a program to better protect people, wildlife and communities through education and smart proactive measures,” said state Sen. Catherine S. Blakespear, the sponsor of the legislation. “We know that science-based, situation-specific, non-lethal strategies can be effective at minimizing conflict between wildlife and people and animals. SB 1135 takes a responsible, thoughtful approach to coexisting with wildlife.”

“California has been a leader in wildlife coexistence initiatives, so we’re thrilled that Sen. Blakespear has taken the lead to renew this program to support the farmers, ranchers, communities and wildlife that call our remarkable state home,” said Pamela Flick, California program director at Defenders of Wildlife. “Non-lethal coexistence strategies can work when implemented proactively and correctly, and with the backing of this program, we look forward to working with CDFW, California farmers, ranchers and communities to expand and extend the efficacy of these tools to minimize negative wildlife interactions. We urge Gov. Newsom to sign this critically needed legislation into law.”

“As communities and wildlife increasingly share landscapes, proactive coexistence strategies are more important than ever. Giving communities and people what they need to keep themselves and domestic animals safe while living alongside wild neighbors has proven to be effective, whereas trying to lethally manage wildlife populations has not,” said Beth Pratt, Regional Executive Director for the National Wildlife Federation. “We are grateful to Senator Blakespear for championing this effort and to the legislature for overwhelmingly approving of the need for coexistence programs. Upon the Governor’s approval of this legislation, our efforts will turn to advocating for the investment necessary to turn this policy into practice.”

SB 1135 will re-establish the California Wildlife Coexistence Program, previously called the Human-Wildlife Conflict Program at CDFW, which was discontinued in 2024 due to lack of statewide funding. The program will educate communities and provide necessary non-lethal tools, including fencing, livestock guardian dogs, noise devices and more to deter carnivores such as wolves, mountain lions and bears. These strategies will help to prevent potentially harmful interactions between humans, wildlife, pets and livestock.

The governor has until September 30 to act on all bills passed by the legislature.

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