CDFW's Wildlife Health Laboratory (WHL) was established in 1941, and is mandated by Fish and Wildlife Code Section 1008 to conduct wildlife disease investigations. Over the years, WHL's responsibilities have increased to include the statewide investigation of all wildlife mortality events, studies and surveillance of diseases (enzootic and epizootic), wildlife health and condition monitoring, prevention of zoonotic diseases, wildlife rehabilitation, injured and nuisance wildlife, safety training, and investigations of public safety wildlife such as mountain lions, black bears, coyotes, large exotic carnivores, and deer.