California Outdoors Q&A

Wildfires

Q: How do CDFW fish hatcheries prepare for wildfires?

A: First, we’d like to acknowledge the commitment of many California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) hatchery staff who have worked during wildfire season in challenging conditions. Multiple fires have occurred near CDFW fish hatcheries, including one at Trinity River Hatchery in Trinity County which prompted an 11-day evacuation of the facility. During that wildfire, one or two employees were escorted into the facility by law enforcement each day to feed fish, clean screens and check on operations.

In 2020, the Walbridge Fire burned more than 55,000 acres in Sonoma County and came within a mile of – and one ridgeline away from – the Warm Springs Fish Hatchery in Geyserville. The hatchery’s supervisor, the late Brett Wilson, and three staff who lived onsite – Bryan Freele, Danny Garcia and Alan Pariani – stayed behind after evacuation orders were given to make sure fish were cared for. Power was out at the hatchery for several days requiring staff to refill diesel generators every few hours around the clock. As helicopters and planes carrying flame retardant circled above, one after another, hatchery staff periodically rode motorcycles to the ridgeline to scout the fire. At one point, the fire came so close that staff connected all the hatchery’s fire hoses in the dark of night. The fire was contained after several days, and all the fish survived.

Wildfire defense at CDFW hatcheries begins with year-round facility maintenance. This includes ground maintenance such as cleaning ponds, trimming trees, mowing and clearing brush around on-site homes and at the hatchery. It also includes equipment maintenance such as making sure generators, fire hydrants, hoses and nozzles are in good working order.

There are also requirements in place for when wildfire causes poor air quality at a hatchery. Even if a wildfire isn’t directly threatening a hatchery, the air quality can be poor. This can be especially tough for hatchery staff whose jobs often involve labor and time spent outdoors. CDFW follows Cal/OSHA standards pertaining to Air Quality Index (AQI). Anytime there’s an AQI above 150 to 499, employees are encouraged to wear N95 masks. If the AQI is 500 or above, staff are required to wear a fitted P100 respirator mask to work outside, or they must work inside in a ventilated building. A CDFW safety officer conducts fit testing for the masks, and each hatchery has an AQI monitor.

Hatchery supervisors also recognize the challenges that staff take on when there’s a wildfire near a facility impacting air quality. During these events, supervisors take extra precautions to make sure staff are taken care of and offered additional breaks and plenty of shade and water. Keeping staff, facilities and hatchery fish safe is a year-round effort for CDFW. A sincere thanks to our team whose dedication makes that possible.

Chumming

Q: When I fish in lakes in California, can I “chum”? I’d like to use corn or other food to help attract fish.

A: Whether you can chum will depend on where in California you’re fishing. Chumming is defined in California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, section 1.32 as follows:

“Placing any material in the water, other than on a hook while angling, for the purpose of attracting fish to a particular area in order that they may be taken.”

There are a few waterways in California where chumming is legal as outlined in CCR, Title 14, section 2.40. Chumming is only permitted in:

1. The Colorado River District, but only approved bait fishes may be used as chum (see section 4.15) except in the Salton Sea where corn may also be used.
2. Carquinez Strait and Suisun Bay and their tributaries and saltwater tributaries.
3. Sacramento River and tidewater of tributaries downstream from Interstate 80 bridge.
4. San Joaquin River and tidewater of tributaries downstream from Interstate 5 bridge.

Ferrets

Q: I’m traveling around the country in an RV, and I have ferrets. I would like to visit a few of the amazing parks in California. Is there a permit or any kind of exemption to bring my ferrets with me in my RV?

A: Ferrets are a restricted animal in California, and a Restricted Species Permit is required for every person who imports, exports, or possesses any restricted animal listed in California Code of Regulation (CCR), Title 14, Section 671(c). Restricted Species Permits are issued for limited purposes and involve stringent requirements, laid out in CCR Title 14, Section 671.1. Unfortunately, a recreational vehicle trip would not be one of those purposes. We do appreciate your effort to get your question answered before you enter the state. We wish you safe travels on your RV trip.

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CALIFORNIA BEARS

Q: I live in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and a neighbor of mine said she’s seen a grizzly bear in the wild. Is that possible?

A: Black bears are the only wild bears in California. However, they do come in many different colors, from solid black to shades of brown and tan. Some have different patches of color, such as a white blaze on the chest or lighter colored muzzles. Many people will claim to have seen a “brown bear.” Generally, the term “brown bear” refers to Ursus arctos, the grizzly bear. California grizzly bears became extinct by the 1920s and only the one on our state flag remains. There are two subspecies of black bears recognized in California: The northwestern or Olympic black bear (Ursus americana altifrontalis) in the northwest corner of California, and the California black bear (Ursus americana californiensis) throughout the rest of California. They are thought to be geographically distinguished from each other by the crest of the Klamath Mountains. California’s black bear population is robust and has increased over the past 25 years. Since the extinction of the California grizzly, black bears have been able to expand throughout much of the state as they no longer face direct competition from the larger bear species.

SONGBIRD OUTBREAK

Q: Earlier this year I read about the salmonellosis outbreak causing songbird deaths in several areas throughout the state. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) asked the public to remove birdfeeders to reduce disease transmission. What’s the status of the outbreak? Can we use our birdfeeders again?

A: The good news is that the salmonellosis outbreak appears to have subsided and it’s probably safe to resume feeding if residents choose to do so. However, CDFW would like residents to continue keeping an eye on feeders because there have been reports of a bacterial infection in house finches. The infection, Avian Mycoplasmosis, causes swollen eyes and an upper respiratory infection. Sick birds may act similar to those infected with salmonellosis. Mycoplasmosis spreads readily at bird feeders, especially tube feeders that require birds to reach their head into the hole to grab seeds. Because of these new reports, CDFW is asking residents to remain vigilant in monitoring feeders and bird baths. If sick or dead birds are seen at the feeders or bird baths, they should be removed for at least three to four weeks. This will hopefully encourage the birds to feed on more natural foods and slow the spread of any infections. Also, it’s generally recommended that bird feeders and bird baths are thoroughly cleaned outdoors at least once a week, and more often if there is heavy use by birds.

SHARE PROGRAM

Q: If I draw a SHARE program elk tag, does the landowner also charge a fee?

A: No. CDFW’s SHARE program provides public access to land for hunting and fishing. Since it is a public access program, what you’re drawing for is essentially an access permit. Landowners utilizing the program are in contract with CDFW. Therefore, hunters who draw a tag do not pay fees for accessing the land. This fall, SHARE is offering 92 elk tags during 60 hunts on 40 properties, including on five new properties. If drawn for an elk hunt, your expenses would be the tag and a non-refundable application fee. You can apply for a SHARE elk hunt from June 16 through July 24. For detailed information on available hunts visit wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/SHARE.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FERRET

Q: I know ferrets are usually illegal to own as pets, but can I get a permit to have one as an emotional support animal?

A: No. Ferrets (Family Mustelidae) are classified as a restricted species in the state of California, pursuant to California Code of Regulations (CCR), title 14, section 671. For this reason, it is unlawful to import, transport or possess ferrets (or any other restricted species) in California, except under a permit issued by CDFW.

Permit conditions and requirements are established in California restricted species regulation (CCR, title 14, section 671.1). There are no provisions in this section that would authorize CDFW to issue a permit for the purpose of importing, transporting or possessing a ferret or other restricted species animals for emotional support purposes. Therefore, ferrets cannot be possessed as emotional support animals in California. For more information about restricted species laws and regulations in California, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Restricted-Species.