CDFW News

CDFW to Conduct Helicopter Capture and Collaring Efforts for Deer, Elk and Gray Wolves in Northern California

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 15:50:07 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is initiating efforts in northern California to capture deer, elk and wolves by helicopter and outfit the animals with GPS collars.

Helicopter captures for deer and elk will be conducted in portions of Alameda, Colusa, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Santa Clara, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama and Trinity counties throughout the month of January 2026.

Capturing and collaring mule deer, tule, Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk improves CDFW’s understanding of ;species distribution, habitat use, abundance, migration patterns, recruitment rates and survival.

Capture teams will be targeting wolves in Siskiyou, Lassen and Tehama counties and potentially other uncollared packs or wolf groups in Modoc, Shasta and Plumas counties. Any captured wolves will be returned to the nearest suitable public land habitat after processing.

Deployed collars will transmit data to CDFW scientists daily for up to three years and provide detailed information about animal movements, habitat preferences and locations. For collared wolves specifically, CDFW will share animal location information with cattle and sheep producers with the goal of reducing negative interactions with the understanding GPS tracking collars do not transmit data in real-time. Wolf movement and location data will automatically feed into CDFW’s online Wolf Tracker mapping tool.

Wildlife capture operations will take place on lands managed by CDFW, the USDA Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management as well as on private properties with permission from landowners. CDFW is grateful to the USDA Forest Service, BLM, timberland owners and other private parties for providing access to their lands for these wildlife capture efforts.

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Media Contact:
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858

Scientific Surveys Show Continued Decline in White Sturgeon Population

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:11:28 GMT

Recent results from white sturgeon monitoring surveys by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) suggest the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) population has continued to decline. CDFW fisheries biologists now estimate there are approximately 6,500 white sturgeon between 40-60 inches long in California — down sharply from the previous estimate of approximately 30,000 fish in that size range, based on the 2016-2021 survey average.

There may be many reasons for the downward trend, including mortality from harmful algal blooms, poaching, past sport fishing harvest and poor river and Delta conditions.

In 2024, CDFW implemented a new method for surveying the white sturgeon population in collaboration with the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission and local sturgeon fishing guides. Surveys take place in the spring and fall from San Pablo Bay to Rio Vista and surrounding areas. The methods are based off white sturgeon surveys conducted in Oregon and Washington and modified for use in California. The study design has been peer-reviewed and is the most robust and comprehensive white sturgeon population monitoring survey ever conducted in California.

While CDFW’s efforts in 2024 established a new baseline of data, multiple years of this new survey approach are needed to confirm the findings and accurately track population trends.

The surveys utilize a “mark-recapture” technique combined with statistical analyses to estimate population size. Each spring, baited setlines (lines with multiple baited hooks) are used to capture sturgeon. The fish are then measured, scanned for existing tags, tagged if necessary, and then released. In the fall, the number of tagged sturgeon that are recaptured is compared to the number of untagged sturgeon caught, allowing scientists to estimate the overall population size.

In addition to providing an estimate of fish between 40-60 inches, the new survey method caught a greater size range of fish, allowing CDFW to estimate the abundance of a broader segment of the population than in the past. Based on the new methods, 19,000 white sturgeon between 10-87 inches fork length (the length from the tip of the snout to the fork in the tail) are estimated to be in California.

Based on historical surveys conducted by CDFW between 1954–2022, the number of white sturgeon in California has been in decline for many years. The species is currently a candidate for listing as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and receives full CESA protection while its status is reviewed. Sturgeon fishing is now limited to catch-and-release only with protective seasons, fishing areas and handling restrictions.

At its Aug. 13 meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission is expected to consider whether to continue recreational catch-and-release regulations for white sturgeon. These regulations have been discussed in public meetings with opportunity for public comment.

To read the full sturgeon survey report download the document. To learn more about conservation efforts for this prehistoric species, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Conserve-the-Sturg.

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Media Contacts:
Jay Rowan, CDFW Fisheries Branch, (916) 212-3164
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714

CDFW Closes Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishery in Northern Management Area to Protect Whales from Entanglement

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 13:10:00 GMT

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Charlton H. Bonham has assessed entanglement risk under the Risk Assessment Mitigation Program (RAMP) and announced a season closure in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery (PDF) in Fishing Zones 1 and 2 (CA/OR border to the Sonoma/Mendocino County line, 38°46.125’ N latitude) to further reduce the risk of entanglement in crab fishing gear. The closure will go into effect at 6 p.m. on June 20, 2025, at which time the commercial take and possession of Dungeness crab from those waters is prohibited. Season closures have already been implemented for Fishing Zones 3-6.

Experimental Fishing Permit (EFP) activity is currently underway in Fishing Zones 3, 4 and 5. EFP landings were first reported after Fishing Zones 4-6 closed for the season on April 16, 2025. The EFP Program fosters innovation and experimentation in California’s commercial and recreational marine fisheries to inform the conservation and sustainable use of the state’s marine resources. Since April 22, 2025, 18 fishers have made 114 landings under an EFP permit, totaling 139,845 pounds for a total ex-vessel value of nearly $1,000,000. The average unit price for these landings was $7.12. The EFPs currently being tested are using pop-up gear (also known as on-demand) and longlining traditional gear. More information about the EFP Program can be found on the Fish and Game Commission EFP webpage and the CDFW EFP webpage.

Commercial Dungeness crab vessels are authorized to retrieve an unlimited number of commercial Dungeness crab traps which are lost, damaged, abandoned or otherwise derelict in Fishing Zones 1 and 2 starting at 6 a.m. on June 27, 2025. Individuals should provide monthly reports of retrieved gear to LostGear@wildlife.ca.gov. In addition, CDFW has authorized the Lost and Abandoned Gear Retrieval Program permitholders to begin removing commercial Dungeness crab traps left in the water beginning June 27, 2025, at 6 a.m. in Fishing Zones 1 and 2.

For more information related to the risk assessment process or trap gear retrieval, please visit CDFW’s Whale Safe Fisheries page. For more information on the Dungeness crab fishery, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/crab.

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Media Contact:
Kaitlin Talbot, CDFW Communications, kaitlin.talbot@wildlife.ca.gov

CDFW Releases New Wolf Location Mapping System

Thu, 15 May 2025 10:18:43 GMT

Online tool is designed to help livestock producers better understand the location of wolves in order to protect their herds

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced today the release of a brand-new mapping tool designed to provide regular location information on GPS-collared gray wolves in California to help prevent wolf-livestock conflict.

The Wolf Location Automated Mapping System, available to the public on CDFW’s website, shows the approximate location of GPS collared wolves across the state. The goal of the map is to better enable livestock producers to understand the movement of collared wolves near their properties and to assist them in mitigating wolf-livestock conflicts.

“California’s rural livestock producers living near wolves have faced real challenges as the wolf population grows in California. This is one more tool in our shared toolkit to protect their herds from wolf-livestock conflict,” said Charlton H. Bonham, CDFW Director. “CDFW is focused on transparency, best practices, and ensuring impacted communities have the knowledge they need to help prevent conflict. We will continue to partner with ranchers and communities to navigate a positive path forward.”

CDFW already provides regular and timely updates to livestock producers, law enforcement offices, and local officials regarding the movement of collared wolves near their communities, but this is the first time CDFW is providing automated data on wolf movements to the public.

CDFW’s GPS collars collect wolf location data roughly four times a day and transmit those locations to CDFW each morning. When received, the location data will be automatically transmitted to the online map. The most recently received location of an individual wolf is shown as a hexagonal cell and, when clicked, provides information about the wolf’s pack, the general area they are in, and the last transmission date. As wolves regularly travel hundreds of miles across the state, information on their location can be a critical tool for ranchers to protect their property and livelihoods.

“Knowing where California’s collared wolf population is means that ranchers have access to critical information,” said California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass. “We appreciate CDFW’s focus on transparency to help farmers and ranchers navigate the growing number of wolves in the state.”

The map provides information exclusively on collared wolves, a subset of the overall gray wolf population. As of May 2025, 14 wolves across California have GPS collars. Collaring wolves with GPS devices helps CDFW and the state better understand wolf populations, movement, and habitats.

“As wolves increase in number and range, California ranchers are in dire need of additional tools to protect the animals under their care. Knowledge is power, and this mapping tool will empower ranchers throughout wolf territory to better understand where wolves might threaten their livestock, enabling them to increase human presence and adjust their herd management as necessary to deter wolf attacks,” said Kirk Wilbur, Vice President of Government Affairs, California Cattlemen’s Association. “CCA appreciates the Department’s communication and transparency, which we hope will ease the burdens borne by cattle ranchers who steward California’s wolf habitat.”

The location of a wolf on the map is approximate and not reflective of the exact or current location of any individual wolf or pack. Generalizing the location data helps protect California’s gray wolf population, classified as both federally and state endangered, from potential harm, a crime punishable by law. It also helps prevent trespassing on private property. Data from specific areas, such as at known den sites where wolf pups are believed to be present, will not be available during certain times of the year. CDFW reserves the right to modify or discontinue the publication of the mapping tool if it is believed to result in any harassment of gray wolves or other wildlife or trespassing on private property.

For additional questions about this mapping tool, head to CDFW’s website.

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Media Contact:
Katie Talbot, CDFW Communications, (916) 204-1381

CDFW Announces Publication of the Black Bear Conservation and Management Plan for California

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 13:46:09 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is proud to present the Black Bear Conservation and Management Plan for California.

The plan, an update to the 1998 Black Bear Management Plan, draws upon the latest scientific tools and methods to conserve, manage, and monitor black bear populations in California.

California is home to an estimated 60,000 black bears, among the largest populations in the United States, along with 40 million people. Management of this iconic species is complex, and opinions can sometimes vary on how best to ensure the health of this species and minimize human-wildlife conflict throughout the state.

“The Black Bear Conservation and Management Plan for California aims to balance the many diverse viewpoints about black bears while greatly enhancing our ability to ensure healthy populations in the future,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham.

The Black Bear Conservation and Management Plan was developed using the latest peer-reviewed scientific methods and a transparent public engagement process. A draft of the plan was released publicly one year ago and received comments and input from more than 5,000 individuals and groups, all of which CDFW worked to address in the final publication.

“This plan allows us to employ the best available science to understand populations and make informed management and regulatory decisions going forward to ensure black bears thrive into the future and can be enjoyed by all Californians,” said Arjun Dheer, CDFW’s Statewide Black Bear Coordinator.

The plan provides the foundation to meet two overarching goals:

Conserve and manage black bear populations that are ecologically functional, disease-resilient, and genetically diverse statewide and regionally, and conserve and enhance their habitats.

Provide opportunities for black bear hunting, viewing, and public education; minimize human-black bear conflict; consider animal welfare in black bear conservation and management; and be inclusive of all Californians in black bear conservation and management decisions.

Pursuant to these goals, CDFW is conducting intensive population monitoring of black bears across California using GPS collars, den checks, camera traps, hunter harvested tooth samples, and the collection of DNA samples from hair snare stations.

Due to California’s geographic size and ecological diversity, the Black Bear Conservation and Management Plan divides the state into nine Bear Conservation Regions where populations will be monitored and managed independently of other regions.

Publication of the plan does not change any hunting regulations or bear harvest limits. Any changes to hunting regulations or the statewide annual bear harvest limit will be conducted through the California Fish and Game Commission public process.

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Media Contacts:
Arjun Dheer, CDFW Wildlife Branch, (916) 268-2376
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858