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A hunter takes aim at a rooster pheasant in flight.

Wild Pheasant Genetics Study Underway at State-Operated Public Hunt Areas

7 November | by Peter.Tira@Wildlife.ca.gov | 0 Comment

California’s wild ring-necked pheasant season opens Saturday, Nov. 9, and for the second consecutive year, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will collect genetic tissue – a tongue clip – from hunter-harvested wild birds at select state-operated wildlife areas and federal refuges.

Western burrowing owl standing on the landscape.

CDFW Seeks Public Comment Related to Western Burrowing Owl

7 November | by steve.gonzalez@wildlife.ca.gov | 0 Comment

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking data and public comments on a petition to list the western burrowing owl under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). The western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) faces threats that include habitat loss due to urban and suburban development, ground squirrel population decline, changes in agricultural practices, pesticide poisoning and predation.

A herd of elk viewed from a helicopter window.

CDFW to Conduct Helicopter Surveys in Northeastern California to Monitor Elk Populations, Inform Hunting Regulations

1 November | by Peter.Tira@Wildlife.ca.gov | 0 Comment

CDFW will perform helicopter surveys this month to inventory and monitor elk populations throughout northeastern California. Flights will be conducted throughout November in portions of Modoc, Siskiyou, Lassen, and Shasta counties.

A black bear stands within forested habitat within the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Fall Means Feeding Frenzy for Black Bears

1 November | by Peter.Tira@Wildlife.ca.gov | 0 Comment

Autumn is here, and black bears are entering a temporary physiological state known as “hyperphagia.” During hyperphagia, also known as the fall feeding frenzy, bears consume as much as they can to bring their fat stores to a level where they can survive the quickly approaching winter months.

Golden mussels with a ruler to show size.

Invasive Non-Native Golden Mussel Discovered in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta

31 October | by Peter.Tira@Wildlife.ca.gov | 0 Comment

Golden mussel, an invasive, non-native freshwater bivalve, was recently discovered in the Port of Stockton by California Department of Water Resources staff while conducting routine operations. Suspected golden mussels have also been identified at O’Neill Forebay in Merced County and are currently undergoing genetic testing for confirmation.

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Learn more about the science behind managing California's wildlife and habitat through CDFW blogs and publications.

Emergency Actions for Streams and Rivers

Notice Concerning Emergency Actions in Streams, Lakes, and Rivers

Advance notification is not required for emergency work in streams, lakes, and rivers carried out pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 1610. Typical emergency projects have been immediate actions during or immediately after an emergency to repair, in kind, a structure or facility, or to remove debris. Individuals must notify CDFW in writing within 14 days after beginning the emergency work.

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Recent News Releases

Most Recent

Wild Pheasant Genetics Study Underway at State-Operated Public Hunt Areas

CDFW Seeks Public Comment Related to Western Burrowing Owl

CDFW to Conduct Helicopter Surveys in Northeastern California to Monitor Elk Populations, Inform Hunting Regulations

Fall Means Feeding Frenzy for Black Bears

Invasive Non-Native Golden Mussel Discovered in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta

Dig Deeper

Emergency Actions for Streams and Rivers

Notice Concerning Emergency Actions in Streams, Lakes, and Rivers

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Gavin Newsom

Wade Crowfoot

Charlton H. Bonham

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Purchase a License, Report Harvests

Living with Wildlife

Drought

Report Poachers and Polluters

Report What You've Seen

Contact your regional CDFW office

Recent News Releases

Most Recent

Wild Pheasant Genetics Study Underway at State-Operated Public Hunt Areas

CDFW Seeks Public Comment Related to Western Burrowing Owl

CDFW to Conduct Helicopter Surveys in Northeastern California to Monitor Elk Populations, Inform Hunting Regulations

Fall Means Feeding Frenzy for Black Bears

Invasive Non-Native Golden Mussel Discovered in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta

Dig Deeper

Emergency Actions for Streams and Rivers

Notice Concerning Emergency Actions in Streams, Lakes, and Rivers

State Campaigns

Mission Statement

Leadership

Gavin Newsom

Wade Crowfoot

Charlton H. Bonham

About CDFW

Opportunities

Get in Touch

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