Gov. Newsom Signs Landmark Legislation Creating California Wildlife Coexistence Program

Governor Gavin Newsom today signed into law Senate Bill 1135, establishing the California Wildlife Coexistence Program within the Department of Fish and Wildlife to better manage and reduce human-wildlife conflict through non-lethal, proactive strategies. The bill, authored by Senator Catherine S. Blakespear, passed both chambers with bipartisan support. Defenders of Wildlife co-sponsored the measure along with the National Wildlife Federation.

Defenders of Wildlife's California program director Pamela Flick issued the following reaction:

"Gov. Newsom has solidified California's position as a key leader in wildlife coexistence, underscoring the importance of proactively minimizing negative wildlife interactions. We are thrilled that this vital statewide program is now the law of the land, and look forward to working with CDFW, farmers, ranchers and communities to deploy non-lethal wildlife coexistence strategies throughout the Golden State. We are immensely grateful for the support from the governor and state legislature, and thank Sen. Blakespear's for her leadership on this crucial issue."

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For nearly 80 years, Defenders of Wildlife has worked to protect and restore America's wildlife at risk of extinction, advancing a vision of a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters. With a network of more than 2 million supporters, Defenders is an advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on Instagram @defendersofwildlife.

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