News Archive

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), joined by state, federal and non-governmental organization partners, has intensified its response to help birds affected by avian botulism at Tulare Lake, contracting with the expert Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) to provide emergency veterinary care. Avian botulism is caused by a toxin-producing bacteria that occurs naturally in bodies of water like Tulare Lake.

CDFW has launched aerial, ground and water surveys of Tulare Lake as part of a coordinated response to monitor and manage avian botulism occurrences due to stagnant and warming water conditions.

USFWS and CDFW are responding to reports of a 5-year-old female southern sea otter exhibiting concerning and unusual behaviors in Santa Cruz, California, including repeatedly approaching surfers and kayakers recreating in the area.

New research indicates that the pathogen causing Snake Fungal Disease is occurring in more locations and impacting more snakes in California than previously known. A CDFW project is conducting a three-year study in California.

Drivers beware! Throughout the year, the Lake Tahoe Basin experiences fluctuations in the number of visitors and vehicle traffic. The winter ski and summer recreation seasons bring more vehicles to the Basin, which increases the risk of bears being struck by vehicles. Bear-vehicle collisions pose a risk to bears, people and property.