CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsAvian Influenza Returns this Fall with Migratory Birdshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/avian-influenza-returns-this-fall-with-migratory-birdsWaterfowlThu, 14 Dec 2023 09:11:24 GMTWildlife disease specialists have confirmed the re-occurrence of the Eurasian strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in California wild birds.<p>Wildlife disease specialists have confirmed the re-occurrence of the Eurasian strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in California wild birds.</p> <p>In late October, Canada geese were found dead in Sacramento County and submitted to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Wildlife Health Laboratory for testing. Preliminary testing was performed at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory in Davis.</p> <p>The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the detection of HPAI H5N1 in two Canada geese in early November. Subsequent detections have been made in wild birds in several additional counties during mortality surveillance including from Contra Costa, San Diego, Santa Clara, Solano and Yolo. Detections in waterfowl during hunter-harvest surveillance have been reported from Fresno, Glenn, Kern and Yolo counties. Prior to these detections, the last confirmed detection in wild birds occurred in June 2023.</p> <p>This strain of Eurasian HPAI H5N1 has been circulating in the United States and Canada since the winter of 2021-22, arriving in California in mid-July 2022. In total, 354 confirmed detections of the virus were made in wild birds collected from 44 California counties during mortality surveillance conducted between July 2022 and June 2023. Detections of the virus appeared to subside during spring and summer in California, as well as more broadly in the United States. Now, as waterfowl and other waterbirds are undertaking fall migration, cases again are on the rise.</p> <p>Avian influenza spreads through direct bird-to-bird contact and may also spread to birds through contaminated surfaces including hands, shoes, clothing and hunting gear. While the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/prevention.htm#Protective-actions-wild-birds" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control</a> considers the transmission risk of avian influenza to people to be low, residents and waterfowl hunters are advised to take precautions to protect themselves, hunting dogs, falconry birds, poultry and pet birds.</p> <p>Steps that may help reduce the spread of HPAI:</p> <ul> <li>Report dead wild birds, and other wildlife, to CDFW using the <a href="/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report">mortality reporting form</a>. While it is not possible to test every wild bird for HPAI, all mortality reports are important and help disease specialists monitor the outbreak.</li> <li>Report sick and dead poultry to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) hotline at 1 (866) 922-2473.</li> <li>Prevent contact between domestic birds and wild birds, especially waterfowl. Exclude wild birds from accessing chicken or other domestic bird feed and water.</li> <li>Do not feed waterfowl or other waterbirds at park ponds as it may increase the congregation of birds and contribute to disease spread.</li> <li>Do not bring potentially sick wild birds home or move sick birds to another location.</li> <li>Before transporting potentially sick wild birds to wildlife rehabilitation centers, veterinary clinics, or other animal facilities, contact the facility for guidance and to determine if the bird should be collected.</li> <li>If recreating outdoors in areas with large concentrations of waterfowl and other waterbirds, wash clothing and disinfect footwear and equipment before traveling to other areas or interacting with domestic birds.</li> <li>Where it can be done so safely, consider disposing of dead birds to help reduce exposure to new birds and minimize scavenging by birds and mammals that also may be susceptible to infection. Dead birds may be collected into a plastic bag and placed in the regular trash collection.</li> </ul> <p>Additional safety recommendations for waterfowl hunters:</p> <ul> <li>Harvest only waterfowl that look and behave healthy. Do not handle or eat sick game. Do not handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.</li> <li>Field dress and prepare game outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Do not dress wild game in the vicinity of poultry or pet birds.</li> <li>Wear rubber gloves or other impermeable disposable gloves while handling and cleaning game.</li> <li>Remove and discard intestines soon after harvesting and avoid direct contact with intestinal contents. Place waste in a plastic bag and dispose in a garbage container that is protected from scavengers.</li> <li>Do not eat, drink, smoke or vape while handling dead game.</li> <li>When done handling game, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable), and clean knives, equipment and surfaces that came in contact with game. Wash hands before and after handling any meat.</li> <li>Keep harvested waterfowl cool (either with ice or refrigeration), below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, until processed, and then refrigerate or freeze.</li> <li>Thoroughly cook all game to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming.</li> <li>Clean and disinfect clothing, footwear and hunting gear before traveling to other areas. As appropriate, footwear and gear may be washed with soap and water, then disinfected in household bleach diluted 1:10 with water for at least 10 minutes.</li> <li>Bathe hunting dogs with pet shampoo after hunting, and do not feed dogs raw meat, organs or other tissues from harvested waterfowl.</li> <li>Falconers should avoid hunting waterfowl, and other waterbirds, during the HPAI outbreak.</li> </ul> <p>For more information on HPAI H5N1, check out CDFW’s <a href="/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring#556711154-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza">informational flyer</a> addressing frequently asked questions and links to additional resources. The USDA maintains the official list of HPAI H5N1 detections on its <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai" target="_blank">website</a>. For guidance on keeping domestic birds healthy, please visit the <a href="https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/BioSpecies/BioPoultry.html" target="_blank">CDFA</a> and <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/defend-the-flock-program" target="_blank">USDA</a> websites.</p> <p>For guidance on orphaned or injured live wild birds, please contact your nearest <a href="/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Rehab/Facilities">wildlife rehabilitation center</a> prior to collecting the animal. Be advised that some wildlife rehabilitation centers may have restrictions on the wildlife species they will admit.</p> <p><em>###</em></p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov%3e">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858<br /> <a href="mailto:Krysta.Rogers@wildlife.ca.gov">Krysta Rogers</a>, CDFW Wildlife Health Lab, (916) 531-7647</em></p> Fall Colors and Cooler Temperatures in Tahoe Mean Black Bear Behavior Is Also Changinghttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/fall-colors-and-cooler-temperatures-in-tahoe-mean-black-bear-behavior-is-also-changingUrban WildlifeWed, 25 Oct 2023 13:07:16 GMTIn the Tahoe Basin, the changing leaves and cooler temperatures can only mean one thing – fall is here. With the transition of the seasons, bears are changing their behavior as well.<p><em><strong>Keep Tahoe Bears Wild!</strong></em></p> <p>In the Tahoe Basin, the changing leaves and cooler temperatures can only mean one thing – fall is here. With the transition of the seasons, bears are changing their behavior as well.</p> <p>In the fall, black bears enter a temporary physiological state known as “hyperphagia.” During hyperphagia, known colloquially 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. In the fall, an adult bear can consume 20,000 to 24,000 calories a day and can gain multiple pounds per day.</p> <p>To achieve this rapid growth in fat stores, wild bears can be seen foraging most of the day and night and may travel beyond their normal home range in search of food. The increased drive for food can lead bears to seek easy, calorie-dense meals in residential areas if food, garbage, and recycling are not properly stored. To keep our Tahoe bears wild while they bulk up for the winter, the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team wants to remind residents to stick to <a href="https://bearwise.org/six-bearwise-basics/" target="_blank">BearWise principles</a> by using bear-resistant garbage carts/boxes, removing bird feeders, storing pet food inside, and cleaning grills regularly. Learn more at the video linked below.</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSY3oqrjWbE" target="_blank">Black Bears in Autumn - YouTube (Video)</a></p> <p>After the fall feeding frenzy, food supplies begin to dwindle, signaling to the bears it is time to find a den for hibernation. In the wild, bears will den beneath rock piles or hollowed trees. However, in the Tahoe Basin, many bears try to make a den under a deck or a crawl space. These insulated and wind-protected urban dens are enticing to bears seeking shelter but come at a big cost to homeowners. Bears wintering under homes often tear down insulation or electrical wires as part of their effort to build a warm nest. They also leave an opening to the den, exposing pipes to freezing temperatures that may burst and cause homeowners significant damage.</p> <p>“Some insurance companies will pay for damage in a crawl space, but many won’t, so a lot of the burden can fall on the homeowner,” explains Rebecca Carniello, the Urban Wildlife Biologist at the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). To avoid these headaches in the winter season, Carniello recommends securing your crawl space now.</p> <p>“Fall is the time to secure your crawl space,” she said. “You never think it is going to happen to you and securing your crawl space protects you from unwanted costly damage and encourages bears to seek a more wild den.”  NDOW outlines a step-by-step guide on securing your crawl space in the video below.</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvI2ZglHLfw" target="_blank">Secure Your Crawl Space From Bears! - YouTube (Video)</a></p> <p>For more tips and information about what you can do to keep Tahoe bears wild, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) <a href="/Keep-Me-Wild">Keep Me Wild/Sharing Space Outdoors</a> web page, <a href="https://www.tahoebears.org/" target="_blank">TahoeBears.org</a> or <a href="https://bearwise.org/" target="_blank">BearWise.org</a>.</p> <p>Use the following phone numbers and online resources to report a bear incident or conflict while camping or visiting the Tahoe Basin:</p> <ul> <li>In California, contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) at (916) 358-2917 or report online using CDFW’s Wildlife Incident Reporting (WIR) system at<a href="https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir"> apps.wildlife.ca.gov/</a></li> <li>Non-emergency bear collisions in California State Parks can be reported to its public dispatch at (916) 358-1300</li> <li>In Nevada, contact NDOW at 775-688-BEAR (2327)</li> <li>If the issue is an emergency, call the local sheriff’s department or 911.</li> </ul> <p>Learn more about the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team at <a href="https://www.tahoebears.org/" target="_blank">TahoeBears.org</a>.</p> <p><em>Photo courtesy of California State Parks.</em></p> <p><em>###</em></p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p> CDFW Announces the Availability of $2 million to Support Non-Lethal Beaver Damage Managementhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-announces-the-availability-of-2-million-to-support-non-lethal-beaver-damage-managementWildlifeWed, 27 Sep 2023 15:54:55 GMTCDFW has announced the availability of up to $2 million in grant funding for non-lethal beaver damage management, in support of ecosystem restoration and protection under the Nature-Based Solutions Initiative and CDFW’s beaver restoration and human-wildlife conflict program objectives.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the availability of up to $2 million in grant funding for <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=215339&inline" target="_blank">non-lethal beaver damage management (PDF)</a>, in support of ecosystem restoration and protection under the Nature-Based Solutions Initiative and CDFW’s beaver restoration and human-wildlife conflict program objectives.</p> <p>The North American beaver’s critically important role as an ecosystem engineer and keystone species, particularly as climate change, drought and wildfires increase in severity, has gained rapidly growing recognition in recent years. Because they are crucial to restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems and their functions, CDFW has implemented new measures to maintain healthy beaver populations in suitable habitat throughout California.</p> <p>In 2023, CDFW established a Beaver Restoration Program and adopted a beaver depredation policy that promotes human-beaver coexistence. CDFW recognizes that the very behavior that makes beavers so valuable to the ecosystems they maintain (e.g., felling trees, damming waterways) can often lead to direct conflict with landowners and local municipalities. CDFW’s new policy calls for thorough evaluation of beaver damage complaints, including identifying where effective and feasible non-lethal damage deterrent options exist and providing recommendations for non-lethal strategies that can be implemented in lieu of lethal beaver management. Installation of these devices and equipment may be done proactively to prevent beaver damage or may be pursued to abate damage as an alternative to obtaining a depredation permit.</p> <p>This new funding opportunity is intended to help support the transition toward non-lethal beaver damage management by making available financial resources to assist with both direct implementation of recommended non-lethal management and technical assistance for installation, maintenance, etc.</p> <p>As part of the <a href="https://resources.ca.gov/Initiatives/Expanding-Nature-Based-Solutions" target="_blank">Nature-Based Solutions Initiative</a>, entities eligible for this funding opportunity include Tribes, non-governmental organizations and public agencies. Through grants awarded to eligible entities, the objectives of this program also include outreach and the reimbursement or direct funding to private landowners.</p> <p>CDFW has launched an <a href="/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants/Concept-Application">online application portal</a> to receive applications for the grant funding. As part of its Cutting the Green Tape efforts, this streamlined application and review process will remain available on an ongoing basis through early 2025. CDFW is accelerating the review and approval process under this funding with the goal to review and approve the award for grants for selected projects within 30 days of receipt. Following awards, CDFW will work to develop agreements for awarded projects.</p> <p>CDFW has developed a single set of General Grant Program Guidelines with an overview of eligible project types, priorities and information on the application process, available at <a href="/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants/Concept-Application">wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants/Concept-Application</a>.</p> <p>More information about these funding opportunities, including guidelines and how to apply, general information about CDFW’s grant programs, as well as a schedule for upcoming grant solicitations can be found at <a href="/grants">wildlife.ca.gov/grants</a>.</p> <p><strong>Photo Credit</strong>: Traci Beattie / <a href="https://stock.adobe.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">stock.adobe.com</a></p> <p>###</p> <p><strong>Media contacts</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:Valerie.Cook@wildlife.ca.gov">Valerie Cook</a>, CDFW Beaver Restoration Program, (916) 616-6366<br /> <a href="mailto:ken.paglia@wildlife.ca.gov">Ken Paglia</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120</p> CDFW Captures South Lake Tahoe Conflict Bear and Her Three Cubshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-captures-south-lake-tahoe-conflict-bear-and-her-three-cubs1Urban WildlifeFri, 04 Aug 2023 13:25:12 GMTWildlife biologists for CDFW this morning safely immobilized a large female conflict bear responsible for at least 21 DNA-confirmed home break-ins and extensive property damage in the South Lake Tahoe area since 2022. Her three cubs were also captured in the effort.<p><em><strong>Bears Destined for Wildlife Sanctuary in Colorado and Rehabilitation Facility in Sonoma County</strong></em></p> <p>Wildlife biologists for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) this morning safely immobilized a large female conflict bear responsible for at least 21 DNA-confirmed home break-ins and extensive property damage in the South Lake Tahoe area since 2022. Her three cubs were also captured in the effort.</p> <p>Pending a successful veterinary check, CDFW has secured permission from the State of Colorado to transport the female black bear, known as 64F, and place it with <a href="https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/" target="_blank">The Wild Animal Sanctuary</a> near Springfield, Colorado, which has agreed to care for it in its expansive facilities. This large black bear is one of multiple bears identified by the public last year as “Hank the Tank” based on visual observations.</p> <p>Colorado Parks and Wildlife has the authority to approve only one such placement and is using that authorization for this bear. Relocation is not typically an option for conflict animals over concern that relocating an animal will relocate the conflict behavior to a different community. However, given the widespread interest in this bear, and the significant risk of a serious incident involving the bear, CDFW is employing an alternative solution to safeguard the bear family as well as the people in the South Lake Tahoe community.</p> <p>The sow's three young cubs, which have accompanied the bear on recent home break-ins, will potentially be relocated to <a href="https://scwildliferescue.org/" target="_blank">Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue</a>, a CDFW-permitted wildlife rehabilitation facility in Petaluma in hopes they can discontinue the negative behaviors they learned from the sow and can be returned to the wild. All three cubs were given a health assessment in the field before transfer and will receive additional examination at the facility. One of the cubs is believed to have suffered serious injuries from a vehicle strike last month, though is still mobile. The injured cub will be given a thorough veterinary evaluation.</p> <p>Bear 64F has been monitored closely by CDFW since 2022. In March of 2023, she was discovered denning under a residence in South Lake Tahoe along with her three male cubs of the year. Staff from CDFW and the Nevada Department of Wildlife immobilized the bear, collected DNA evidence, attached an ear tag and affixed a satellite tracking collar to the bear. Staff also implanted Passive Integrated Transponders, known as PIT tags, into the cubs for future identification. The PIT tags contain a microchip similar to what’s implanted into pet dogs and cats for identification.</p> <p>Bear 64F shed the satellite tracking collar last May. The bear’s DNA, however, has been confirmed at 21 home invasions in the South Lake Tahoe area between February 2022 and May 2023 with the bear suspected in additional break-ins and property damage.</p> <p><a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=198982&inline" target="_blank">CDFW’s updated Black Bear Policy (PDF)</a>, released in February 2022, allows for the placement and relocation of conflict bears in limited circumstances when other management options have been exhausted and as an alternative to lethal actions.</p> <p><em><strong>CDFW file photos. </strong></em><em><strong>These and additional photos and video are available for download at the following <a href="https://filelib.wildlife.ca.gov/Public/OCEO/August%202023%20South%20Lake%20Tahoe%20Bear%20Capture/">FTP link</a>.</strong></em></p> <p>###</p> <p><strong><em>Media Contact:</em></strong><br /> <em><a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352</em></p> When Bears and Vehicles Collide; Keep Tahoe Bears Wild!https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/when-bears-and-vehicles-collide-keep-tahoe-bears-wildWildlife HealthFri, 30 Jun 2023 09:15:00 GMTDrivers beware! Throughout the year, the Lake Tahoe Basin experiences fluctuations in the number of visitors and vehicle traffic. The winter ski and summer recreation seasons bring more vehicles to the Basin, which increases the risk of bears being struck by vehicles. Bear-vehicle collisions pose a risk to bears, people and property.<p>Drivers beware! Throughout the year, the Lake Tahoe Basin experiences fluctuations in the number of visitors and vehicle traffic. The winter ski and summer recreation seasons bring more vehicles to the Basin, which increases the risk of bears being struck by vehicles. Bear-vehicle collisions pose a risk to bears, people and property.</p> <p>In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic when fewer cars were on the road, the California Highway Patrol reported 1,791 traffic collisions with animals, and the UC Davis Road Ecology Center estimated the total cost of animal-vehicle collisions that year in California to be more than $180 million. Not all collisions are reported and not all highway or road mortalities are accounted for, even when carcasses are picked up by the California Department of Transportation or local county crews. This data illustrates a major threat to wildlife and driver safety.</p> <p>In the Tahoe Basin, it is common to see small mammals such as squirrels, chipmunks, and, occasionally, raccoons dead on the roadside, but vehicle collisions with bears are increasing. Bears attracted to supplemental feed from trash in urban areas is one reason for this increase. The result is often catastrophic injuries to the bear, dependent cubs becoming orphaned, and, on occasion, injuries to drivers. All are sad scenarios that everyone wants to avoid.</p> <p>Tahoe’s black bears are not only active at night when most human activity can be avoided. Instead, they are attracted to human subsidies in and around homes and businesses around the clock. The search for food, both natural and human-provided, means bears are constantly on the move and frequently darting across busy highways and other roads around Lake Tahoe. This puts bears at greater risk of being struck by a driver who may not be expecting to encounter a bear on the road. Drivers should take steps to avoid these dangerous situations.</p> <p>What can you do?</p> <ul> <li>Drivers and passengers should be aware that bears move at all times of the day and night, frequently crossing roads in the Basin as they search for food.</li> <li>Be aware that there is often more than one bear. Adult, female bears (sows) are often trailed by their cubs of the year or can be following behind them as the cubs become more independent. Keep this in mind. If you see a bear on the roadway, slow down and scan for other bears or hazards.</li> <li>NEVER stop your vehicle on the road or highway to view wildlife. This creates unsafe traffic congestion and stresses wildlife.</li> <li>Do not swerve to avoid wildlife. Swerving to avoid animals can often result in a vehicle going off the road or into oncoming traffic or trees.</li> <li>Follow speed limits, watch for signs posted in known wildlife collision areas, and most importantly SLOW DOWN.</li> <li>Always drive defensively and always keep your eyes on the road. Sharing the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, and wildlife comes with great responsibility.</li> </ul> <p>For more information about keeping people and wildlife safe, please view the following video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVi9LXRoFJc" target="_blank">When Bears and Humans Collide</a>.</p> <p>Remember, properly storing garbage and food reduces the risk of bears and wildlife crossing roads to access those attractants.</p> <p>Use the following phone numbers and online resources to report a vehicle collision with a bear or report a dead or injured bear along the roadway:</p> <ul> <li>In California, contact CDFW at (916) 358-2917 or report online using the Wildlife Incident Reporting (WIR) system at<a href="https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir" target="_blank"> apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir</a>.</li> <li>Non-emergency bear collisions in California State Parks can be reported to its public dispatch at (916) 358-1300.</li> <li>In Nevada, contact NDOW at (775) 688-BEAR (2327).</li> <li>If the issue is an emergency, call the local sheriff’s department or 911.</li> </ul> <p>Learn more about keeping Tahoe bears wild at <a href="https://www.tahoebears.org/" target="_blank">TahoeBears.org</a> and <a href="https://bearwise.org/" target="_blank">BearWise.org</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p> Final necropsy results released for mountain lion P-22https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/final-necropsy-results-released-for-mountain-lion-p-22Wildlife HealthWed, 14 Jun 2023 12:38:21 GMTCDFW and National Park Service (NPS) reviewed the final postmortem examination and lab tests from P-22, the beloved mountain lion from Griffith Park.<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Joint News Release</strong></span></p> <p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and National Park Service (NPS) reviewed the final postmortem examination and lab tests from P-22, the beloved mountain lion from Griffith Park. The results confirmed P-22 had been suffering from multiple severe injuries and chronic conditions that impaired his ability to function in the wild and would have lowered his quality of life if placed in human care.</p> <p>P-22 was captured and anesthetized by CDFW and NPS on December 12, 2022, after scientists noted a recent change in his behavior.</p> <p>He was transported to the Los Angeles Zoo for initial examination and treatment, then transferred to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for follow-up evaluation, including a computed tomography (CT) scan, where it was discovered that he had serious injuries and health problems. He was euthanized under general anesthesia on December 17, 2022.</p> <p>The postmortem examination was completed by veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo.</p> <p>"We are grateful to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and Los Angeles Zoo teams," said Deana Clifford, a senior wildlife veterinarian for CDFW. "They provided excellent care for P-22 and conducted a detailed postmortem examination that shed plenty of light on this cat's condition."</p> <p>Some findings demonstrated that P-22 had recent trauma to his head and right eye, including an orbital fracture with bleeding and early stages of scar tissue development. This is consistent with reports of a vehicle strike the night before he was captured.</p> <p>P-22 also had injuries consistent with older, significant trauma, including a diaphragmatic rupture, through which the liver and sections of connective tissue from the abdomen had herniated and were inside his chest cavity.</p> <p>Pathologists determined that this injury was older than the injury to his face and eye due to differences in the stages of scarification associated with each injury.</p> <p>The examination also confirmed that he was underweight, arthritic and had progressive and incurable kidney disease, as determined before his death. He also had a severe parasitic skin infection over his entire body, caused by demodectic mange and a fungus, specifically ringworm. This is the first documentation of a demodectic mange infection and a concurrent systemic ringworm infection in a California mountain lion.</p> <p>Toxicology testing on his liver at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory (CAHFS) UC Davis revealed exposure to five anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) compounds. However, he had no evidence of AR poisoning (i.e., unexplained bleeding, injury, illness or death due to exposure to the toxicants).</p> <p>These include first-generation ARs, diphacinone and chlorophacinone, and longer-lasting and faster-acting second-generation ARs, brodifacoum, bromadiolone and difethialone. Diphacinone was also detected in a sample of P-22's blood collected after he was captured, which may indicate recent exposure. Diphacinone was also detected in P-22's blood in 2014 when he was captured by NPS biologists and treated for a different skin infection caused by notoedric mange.</p> <p>A separate CDFW study tested 247 mountain lions at the CAHFS lab. It showed that 96 percent of tested animals had exposure to one or more ARs. While felids tend to be more resistant to AR poisoning, there have been at least seven AR-related mortalities in Southern California mountain lions over the last 19 years.</p> <p>Additionally, desmethylbromethalin, the toxic metabolite of bromethalin, was detected in his body fat. Bromethalin is a widely available rodenticide that targets the brain and affects the central nervous system. Signs of bromethalin poisoning include muscle tremors, seizures, hind limb paralysis, respiratory paralysis and eventually death. There was no indication that bromethalin exposure resulted in poisoning on P-22 medical or pathologic exam. How P-22 was exposed to bromethalin, directly or secondarily through prey, is unknown. However, it is believed to be the latter.</p> <p>P-22 was likely born in the Santa Monica Mountains as the son of adult male P-1. NPS biologists first captured and radio-collared P-22 in March 2012 when he was estimated to be two years old. He was one of the most senior mountain lions in a study the NPS has conducted since 2002.</p> <p>He persisted for more than 10 years in Griffith Park and in the smallest home range that has ever been recorded for an adult male mountain lion. But life on this tiny “island” did not come without consequence. After crossing two of the busiest freeways in the world, 101 and 405, he would unknowingly become isolated and never produce offspring. His movements and access to natural habitat and prey would be restricted, putting him at increased risk for interactions with people, collisions with cars and exposure to rodenticides. As extraordinary as P-22’s life was - surviving against all odds - it is an increasingly common reality for wildlife.</p> <p>"P-22 was a fascinating animal to study," said Jeff Sikich, the lead field biologist of the NPS mountain lion study. "Not only was he an important ambassador for urban wildlife, but his scientific contributions were also many. He helped us understand how mountain lions coexist with humans in this complex urban landscape, and his legacy will live on through our heightened awareness of how to live in harmony with wild neighbors and growing public support for wildlife crossings."</p> <p>For more information about P-22’s life and legacy, visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/puma-profiles-p-22.htm" target="_blank">NPS puma profile</a>.</p> <p>Learn more about CDFW’s efforts to <a href="/language/en%20US/News/tag/wildlife-crossings#gsc.tab=0">improve wildlife connectivity</a> and to educate Californians about <a href="/Living-with-Wildlife">living with wildlife</a>.</p> <p>For more information, please review the <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=213142&inline" target="_blank">final necropsy summary (PDF)</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media contacts</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352<br /> <a href="mailto:ana_cholo@nps.gov">Ana Beatriz Cholo</a>, National Park Service, (805) 750-9356</em></p> <p><em>NPS has been studying mountain lions in and around the Santa Monica Mountains for the last two decades to determine how they survive in a fragmented and urbanized environment. CDFW is responsible for overseeing the management and conservation of mountain lions in the state.</em></p> <p><em>The mission of CDFW is to manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife and plant resources, and the habitats on which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.</em></p> Caltrans, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Brightline Agree to Build Wildlife Overcrossings for Rail Projecthttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/caltrans-california-department-of-fish-and-wildlife-and-brightline-agree-to-build-wildlife-overcrossings-for-rail-projectUrban WildlifeWed, 15 Feb 2023 11:02:54 GMTThe California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Brightline West have entered into an agreement to design and construct three wildlife overcrossings across Interstate 15 (I-15) and the future Brightline West high-speed rail system connecting Las Vegas and Southern California.<p>The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Brightline West have entered into an agreement to design and construct three wildlife overcrossings across Interstate 15 (I-15) and the future Brightline West high-speed rail system connecting Las Vegas and Southern California. These dedicated overcrossings will provide a sustainable and safe path for wildlife – especially for bighorn sheep – over the existing northbound and southbound highway lanes and the future high-speed rail system to be built within the median.</p> <p>“Roadways and rail lines must be designed to connect, not divide,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “This project will not only protect the precious wildlife and habitat of the Mojave Desert region but will also get people between Las Vegas and Southern California safely and efficiently – preserving one of the most popular corridors in our state.”</p> <p>CDFW has identified three priority locations for the wildlife overcrossing – all in San Bernardino County. These overcrossings will be built near Zzyzx Road, near Mountain Pass and near Rasor Road, spanning the entire width of I-15 including the Brightline West rail line. Beyond the three wildlife overcrossings, the Brightline West project will maintain or improve more than 600 culverts and large-scale crossings under I-15 that exist today. The project also will restore and install desert tortoise fencing and directional wildlife exclusionary fencing.</p> <p>Over the past year, Brightline, Caltrans and CDFW have worked together to develop a coordinated plan to fund, design, construct and maintain these wildlife overcrossings. The parties intend to fund the overcrossings using a mix of Caltrans, CDFW and Brightline West capital resources, while also seeking federal dollars.</p> <p>Giving wildlife freedom to roam despite the growing infrastructure needed to support California’s robust human population is a top priority for CDFW. San Bernardino County, where these overcrossings will be constructed, is a particularly high-need area.</p> <p>“When launched, Brightline West will be one of the greenest forms of transportation in America and an eco-friendly upgrade to the I-15,” said Sarah Watterson, president of Brightline West. “Beyond significantly cutting carbon emissions and creating a cleaner, more efficient way to travel, this is just one more way the introduction of this system will ensure vital and long-term protections for a diverse array of wildlife.”</p> <p>Brightline West is developing a 218-mile high-speed rail system designed to connect Las Vegas and Southern California with a fully electric, emission-free system that will include stations in Rancho Cucamonga, Hesperia, Apple Valley and Las Vegas. It will bring significant environmental and economic benefits, including the projected elimination of 3 million cars annually, the reduction of more than 400,000 tons of carbon emissions each year and the creation of an estimated 35,000 jobs.</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:William.Arnold@dot.ca.gov">Will Arnold</a>, Caltrans – (916) 956-0633<br /> <a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW – (916) 212-7352<br /> <a href="mailto:iskarlatos@brightlinewest.com">Irene Skarlatos</a>, Brightline West – (702) 336-8234</em></p> <p><strong>About Caltrans</strong></p> <p>Caltrans manages more than 50,000 miles of California’s highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports, and works with local agencies. Caltrans carries out its mission to provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment.</p> <p><strong>About CDFW</strong></p> <p>The mission of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is to manage the state’s diverse fish, wildlife and plant resources, and the habitats on which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.</p> <p><strong>About Brightline</strong></p> <p>Brightline is the only private provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity passenger rail service in America. The company currently serves Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach in Florida, with its Orlando station beginning service in 2023. Recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in travel, Brightline offers a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road by connecting city pairs and congested corridors that are too close to fly and too long to drive. Brightline West will build on this award-winning service by connecting Las Vegas and Southern California, with stations in Las Vegas, Victor Valley, Hesperia, and Rancho Cucamonga, and connectivity to Metrolink’s regional rail network.</p> <p>###</p> Mountain Lion P-22 Compassionately Euthanized Following Complete Health Evaluation Resultshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/mountain-lion-p-22-compassionately-euthanized-following-complete-health-evaluation-resultsWildlife HealthSat, 17 Dec 2022 10:20:07 GMTAfter receiving a comprehensive medical evaluation, CDFW has received a clear picture of the mountain lion P-22’s medical condition and overall health. He had several severe injuries and chronic health problems.<p><span class="ca-gov-icon-arrow-fill-right"></span>  <a href="https://wildlife-ca-gov.zoom.us/rec/play/2PBf8B-Fm5FJco1OAWKnTnY8jB2MVYNjKuL2MY_xMDmptXdHn-9p2H00-SW498QqTClz9Ll5MYM8eTKp.5XSDcHJZJ980A-h2?continueMode=true&_x_zm_rtaid=PkNFfM4HQVCDJj_yTdMMpg.1671315875619.f6ea42088f259c24e67a31927a97428d&_x_zm_rhtaid=93" target="_blank"><strong>Video of Dec. 17 (10 a.m.) media update</strong></a></p> <p>After receiving a comprehensive medical evaluation, CDFW has received a clear picture of the mountain lion P-22’s medical condition and overall health. He had several severe injuries and chronic health problems. Based on these factors, compassionate euthanasia under general anesthesia was unanimously recommended by the medical team at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and CDFW officials made the decision to do so on Saturday, Dec. 17.</p> <p>P-22 received a thorough diagnostic evaluation by the Safari Park’s wildlife health team, under general anesthesia. The extensive evaluation included a physical exam, organ function tests, infectious disease screening, ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) scans of the skull, chest and abdomen.</p> <p>The results of these tests and screenings showed significant trauma to the mountain lion’s head, right eye and internal organs, confirming the suspicion of recent injury, such as a vehicle strike. The trauma to his internal organs would require invasive surgical repair.</p> <p>The examination also revealed significant pre-existing illnesses, including irreversible kidney disease, chronic weight loss, extensive parasitic skin infection over his entire body and localized arthritis, all of which have led to the unfortunate deterioration in P-22’s overall condition.</p> <p>P-22’s advanced age, combined with chronic, debilitating, life-shortening conditions and the clear need for extensive long-term veterinary intervention left P-22 with no hope for a positive outcome. His poor condition indicated that he may also have had additional underlying conditions not yet fully characterized by diagnostics.</p> <p>The Safari Park wildlife care team consists of six veterinarians with additional board certification in zoologic medicine. Additionally, four veterinary specialists (board certifications in ophthalmology, radiology and surgery) were consulted.</p> <p>CDFW is not seeking information on a vehicle collision. This situation is not the fault of P-22, nor of a driver who may have hit him. Rather, it is an eventuality that arises from habitat loss and fragmentation, and it underscores the need for thoughtful construction of wildlife crossings and well-planned spaces that provide wild animals room to roam.</p> <p>On Thursday, Dec. 8, <a href="/News/california-department-of-fish-and-wildlife-and-national-park-service-team-up-to-evaluate-p-221">CDFW announced</a> their intent to capture the world-famous mountain lion and bring him in for a health evaluation. On Monday Dec. 12, <a href="/News/health-evaluation-underway-for-mountain-lion-p-22">P-22 was captured</a> by CDFW and National Park Service and brought in for evaluation. On Dec. 13, CDFW issued a <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=207739&inline">FAQ document</a> about P-22 and held a <a href="https://wildlife-ca-gov.zoom.us/rec/play/1kEZnqoQNPHqreWI56bUZ0fcWA7nNoVkt8NQsfQAqDY1ugswlovzl21MlmnvMCOVtz_JuoL0-kmt96z6.rEVWNzf8ZubiFsBO?autoplay=true">media briefing</a> to provide an update on his condition.</p> <p>CDFW wishes to thank our many partners. This has been a difficult journey for all of us. None more so than the dedicated staff who have been caring for him over this week, the biologists who have studied his incredible life, and the many compassionate individuals who have been his neighbors and followed his travails.</p> <p>Mountain lion P-22 has had an extraordinary life and captured the hearts of the people of Los Angeles and beyond. The most difficult, but compassionate choice was to respectfully minimize his suffering and stress by humanely ending his journey.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media contact</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352</em></p> Health Evaluation Underway for Mountain Lion P-22https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/health-evaluation-underway-for-mountain-lion-p-22Wildlife HealthMon, 12 Dec 2022 16:39:39 GMTCDFW and the National Park Service have successfully tranquilized the mountain lion known as P-22 and transported him to a wild animal care facility for a full health evaluation.<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Joint News Release</strong></span></p> <p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and National Park Service (NPS) have successfully tranquilized the mountain lion known as P-22 and transported him to a wild animal care facility for a full health evaluation. After an initial assessment by qualified veterinarians, the lion was deemed to be in stable condition and is undergoing additional veterinary evaluation.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="mountain lion prone on a tarp" src="/Portals/0/Images/News/2022/p22tarp2.JPG" style="width: 447px; height: 488px;" /></p> <p>On Thursday, Dec. 8, <a href="/News/california-department-of-fish-and-wildlife-and-national-park-service-team-up-to-evaluate-p-221" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDFW announced</a> their intent to capture the world-famous mountain lion and bring him in for a health evaluation. CDFW and NPS found P-22 this morning south of his long-time home range in Griffith Park, in the Los Feliz area. An anonymous report last night indicated that he may have been struck by a vehicle.</p> <p>CDFW had not set any traps yet at the time that P-22 was located. Instead, upon determining where he was through the GPS locations and signal from his tracking collar, biologists were able to dart him in the neighborhood. CDFW veterinarians and NPS biologists will determine the best next steps for the animal while also prioritizing the safety of the surrounding communities.</p> <p>CDFW and NPS thank the community for providing help when asked and for refraining from intervening in the effort.</p> <p>CDFW and NPS have long partnered on issues related to P-22 and will work together to find the most humane option available for the lion and the community in which he lives. CDFW and NPS have already been in contact with leading institutions for animal care and rehabilitation centers.</p> <p>CDFW and NPS recognize how many people are concerned about mountain lions, their conservation, and P-22 in particular, and we appreciate this interest. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.</p> <p>###</p> <p>CDFW is responsible for overseeing the management and conservation of mountain lions in the state. NPS has been studying mountain lions in and around the Santa Monica Mountains for the last two decades to determine how they survive in a fragmented and urbanized environment.</p> <p><strong>Media contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:jordan.traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352<br /> <a href="mailto:samo_newsmedia@nps.gov">Ashton Hooker</a>, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area</p> California Department of Fish and Wildlife and National Park Service Team Up to Evaluate P-22https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/california-department-of-fish-and-wildlife-and-national-park-service-team-up-to-evaluate-p-221Wildlife HealthThu, 08 Dec 2022 13:51:56 GMTCDFW and National Park Service (NPS) announced plans today to capture the world-famous mountain lion P-22 and bring him in for a health evaluation.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and National Park Service (NPS) announced plans today to capture the world-famous mountain lion P-22 and bring him in for a health evaluation. Following that evaluation, CDFW veterinarians and NPS biologists will determine the best next steps for the animal while also prioritizing the safety of the surrounding communities.</p> <p>P-22 has been reported near human dwellings close to his habitat in Griffith Park. Reports include sightings, video camera recordings and physical encounters with the lion. P-22 is a remarkably old cat in the wild and, after being deemed responsible for killing a leashed pet last month, may be exhibiting signs of distress.</p> <p>This is an unprecedented situation in which a mountain lion has continued to survive in such an urban setting. As P-22 has aged, however, the challenges associated with living on an island of habitat seem to be increasing and scientists are noting a recent change in his behavior. This underscores the consequences of a lack of habitat connectivity for mountain lions and all wildlife.</p> <p>CDFW and NPS do not require assistance to capture and evaluate P-22 and ask that members of the public refrain from any involvement in the effort.</p> <p>CDFW and NPS have long partnered together on issues related to P-22 and have been involved with him most of his life. Both agencies are actively monitoring the situation and evaluating the most humane options available for a plan of action for the lion and the community in which he lives.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em>NPS has been studying mountain lions in and around the Santa Monica Mountains for the last two decades to determine how they survive in a fragmented and urbanized environment. CDFW is responsible for overseeing the management and conservation of mountain lions in the state.</em></p> <p><em><strong>Media contacts</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:Tim.Daly@Wildlife.ca.gov">Tim Daly</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 201-2958<br /> <a href="mailto:Samo_newsmedia@nps.gov">Ashton Hooker</a>, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, (307) 690-5109</em></p>