Media Contact Contact an Information Officer Related News Feeds California Outdoors Q&A OSPR News Marine Region News Subscribe Subscribe to CDFW News releases via email or text.* Sign Up *Accredited media representatives should contact an Information Officer to be placed on CDFW's media list. Follow Us Follow on Twitter @CaliforniaDFW(opens in new tab) Follow on Facebook(opens in new tab) Recent News Releases CDFW Seeks Public Comment Related to Bear Lake Buckwheat November 8, 2024 The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking data and public comments on a petition to list Bear Lake buckwheat under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). Wild Pheasant Genetics Study Underway at State-Operated Public Hunt Areas November 7, 2024 California’s wild ring-necked pheasant season opens Saturday, Nov. 9, and for the second consecutive year, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will collect genetic tissue – a tongue clip – from hunter-harvested wild birds at select state-operated wildlife areas and federal refuges. CDFW Seeks Public Comment Related to Western Burrowing Owl November 7, 2024 The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking data and public comments on a petition to list the western burrowing owl under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). The western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) faces threats that include habitat loss due to urban and suburban development, ground squirrel population decline, changes in agricultural practices, pesticide poisoning and predation. CDFW to Conduct Helicopter Surveys in Northeastern California to Monitor Elk Populations, Inform Hunting Regulations November 1, 2024 CDFW will perform helicopter surveys this month to inventory and monitor elk populations throughout northeastern California. Flights will be conducted throughout November in portions of Modoc, Siskiyou, Lassen, and Shasta counties. Fall Means Feeding Frenzy for Black Bears November 1, 2024 Autumn is here, and black bears are entering a temporary physiological state known as “hyperphagia.” During hyperphagia, also known 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. Invasive Non-Native Golden Mussel Discovered in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta October 31, 2024 Golden mussel, an invasive, non-native freshwater bivalve, was recently discovered in the Port of Stockton by California Department of Water Resources staff while conducting routine operations. Suspected golden mussels have also been identified at O’Neill Forebay in Merced County and are currently undergoing genetic testing for confirmation. Recreational Dungeness Crab Fishery Delayed in a Portion of Northern California State Waters Due to Public Health Hazard October 30, 2024 The recreational fishery for Dungeness crab will open on Saturday, Nov. 2 except for one area in northern California due to a public health hazard. California Wolf Project Will Advance Science and Management of Gray Wolves October 29, 2024 The launch of the California Wolf Project within UC Berkeley’s Rausser College of Natural Resources establishes a long-term partnership with CDFW to advance the science and management of gray wolves in California. November 2024 California Department of Fish and Wildlife Calendar October 28, 2024 The November 2024 CDFW Calendar of Events is now available. Invasive Bat Fungus Confirmed in Five California Counties October 28, 2024 The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats has been detected in several counties across California this year, although bats with visible signs of the disease have yet to be observed in the state. Browse/Search Archive