Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit

Human-wildlife “conflict” (HWC) can occur when humans and wild animals interact in an unwanted or unsafe way. In California, habitat loss and a changing climate have increased the frequency and type of wildlife incidents and HWC reported to CDFW. It has become more common for people to observe, encounter, and even interact with wildlife while recreating outdoors or living alibg an urban-wildlands interface as wild animals search for limited resources such as food.

As the State's trustee agency for fish and wildlife, CDFW has developed a free HWC Toolkit and other resources to help proactively reduce or prevent conflict.

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Education and Outreach

Public education, community outreach, and engagement on a local level are vital to effectively address human-wildlife conflicts and support safe coexistence statewide. CDFW works closely with staff, agency partners, and nongovernmental organizations to serve diverse communities to increase awareness of important wildlife issues through educational materials, campaigns, public events, and research. Learn more!

BearWise
CDFW Human-Wildlife Conflict Report, 2015-17 (PDF)
IUCN Issues Brief: Human-Wildlife Conflict
Project Wild
Respect Wildlife
Wildlife-Vehicle Impacts (California Roadkill Observation System)

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 and state, and local laws and ordinances. It is your responsibility to follow all laws and regulations. The CDFW Law Enforcement Division (Wildlife Officers) work with other law enforcement and agency partners to enforce these requirements, protect and conserve fish and wildlife, and serve the public in California.