Human-Wildlife Conflicts

California is home to nearly 40 million people living alongside some of the most fascinating and iconic species in North America. Human-wildlife “conflict” (HWC) occurs when humans and wild animals interact in an unwanted or unsafe way. Population growth and a changing climate is increasing the frequency and severity of HWC as wildlife encounter humans more often in their search for food, shelter, and water. As the State’s trustee agency for fish and wildlife resources, CDFW serves as the lead agency charged with helping to resolve human-wildlife conflict. However, everyone can help! See below to learn how to help transform human-wildlife conflicts.

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Technical Assistance

The Human-Wildlife Conflict Program (HWC Program) was established to address the increasing number of human-wildlife interactions reported throughout the State, as part of a statewide effort to safeguard and enhance California's biodiversity.

Since 2022, Wildlife Conflict Specialist Training Academy launched to train CDFW HWC Specialists on policy, code and regulations, wildlife damage management, and human dimensions of wildlife conservation (social science).
Since 2021, 45,000+ staff hours logged responding to 19,000+ wildlife incident and 3,600+ depredation (property damage) reports each year.
Since 2018, development of HWC Program web resources, HWC Toolkit (online), enhanced educational materials, and adoption of the BearWise campaign.
Since 2017, launch of a statewide online Wildlife Incidence Reporting (WIR) System for public reporting of wildlife incidents and sightings. The WIR System allows CDFW staff to respond directly to wildlife incident reports, issue depredation permits and analyze reporting trends.

Who To Contact

Report a Wildlife Incident (CDFW WIR System)
Report Injured or Orphaned Wildlife (Wildlife Rehabilitation Facilities)
Report Dead or Diseased Wildlife (WHL Mortality Reporting)
Report Poachers & Other Violations (1-888-334-2258)
Report Pollution or Oil Spills (1-800-852-7550)
CDFW Regional Offices

Public Safety Emergency? Call 9-1-1

Education and Outreach

Public education, community outreach, and engagement on a local level are vital to effectively address human-wildlife conflicts and support safe human-wildlife interactions. CDFW works closely with staff, agency partners, stakeholders, and diverse communities throughout California. Learn more!

Wildlife Watch
Project Wild
CDFW Human-Wildlife Conflict Report (PDF) (September 1, 2015 – June 30, 2017)

CDFW regularly works with others to increase awareness of important wildlife issues, including through the development of educational materials, news releases, seasonal campaigns, and participation in community events.

BearWise
Respect Wildlife
Wildlife-Vehicle Impacts (California Roadkill Observation System)
Keep Tahoe Bears Wild (PDF) (Interagency Partnership)
Issues Brief: Human-Wildlife Conflict (IUCN)

Laws and Regulations

Knowing how to safely and effectively address human-wildlife conflicts may feel overwhelming. What methods you may use are governed by federal, state, and local laws, and regulations. It is your responsibility to follow all laws and regulations. Learn more!

The CDFW Law Enforcement Division works with other law enforcement and agency partners to protect and conserve fish and wildlife and serve the public in California.