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The recent state-sanctioned killing of Blondie, a beloved black bear who was deemed a threat to public safety in Monrovia, California, highlights the price animals are paying when conflicts arise, especially as habitat shrinks and the agencies in place to protect them are blatantly swayed by special interests, including ranching and hunting.

The California Wildlife Coexistence Act (SB 1135) would ensure a number of measures are enacted to promote coexistence with our wild neighbors. Urge your state senator to pass this bill!

Blondie's death has sparked backlash and heartbreak for her two cubs, who are now in the care of the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center. Even if they're returned to the wild, life for them will never be as it should have been with their mother.

Unfortunately, numerous animals have paid with their lives as a result of conflicts with humans, ranging from encounters in urban areas to wolves who are being vilified by ranchers in the state. Even with protection under the California Endangered Species Act, they're still at risk. Last year, four were killed because they had become “habituated to preying on cattle.”

It's clear that more needs to be done to promote coexistence with wild animals, regardless of species, especially with funding for the state's Human-Wildlife Conflict program allowed to run out.

The California Wildlife Coexistence Act will require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to establish a Wildlife Coexistence Program, rename the California Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program to the Wolf-Livestock Coexistence and Compensation Program, provide resources to wildlife coexistence partners, and establish the Wildlife Coexistence Technical Advisory Committee to provide guidance and recommendations on coexistence efforts with public input.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Decision makers: California state senators

Subject: Support the California Wildlife Coexistence Act (SB 1135)

As someone concerned with wildlife and conservation, I’m writing to urge you to support the California Wildlife Coexistence Act (SB 1135), which would ensure a number of measures are enacted to promote coexistence with our wild neighbors who need this effort more than ever.
 
The recent state-sanctioned killing of Blondie, a beloved black bear who was deemed a threat to public safety in Monrovia, California, highlights the price that animals are paying when conflicts arise, especially as habitat shrinks and agencies in place to protect them are blatantly swayed by special interests, including ranching and hunting.
 
Unfortunately, numerous animals have paid with their lives as a result of conflicts with humans, ranging from encounters in urban areas to wolves who are being vilified by ranchers in the state. Even with protection under the California Endangered Species Act, they’re still at risk. Last year, four were killed because they had become “habituated to preying on cattle.”
 
It’s clear that more needs to be done to promote coexistence with wild animals, regardless of species, especially with funding for the state’s Human-Wildlife Conflict program allowed to run out.
 
This bill will require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to establish a Wildlife Coexistence Program, rename the California Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program to the Wolf-Livestock Coexistence and Compensation Program, provide resources to wildlife coexistence partners, and establish the Wildlife Coexistence Technical Advisory Committee to provide guidance and recommendations on coexistence efforts with public input.

I hope to see California lead the way on preventing conflicts and resolving them humanely using the best available science when they arise. Wild animals who are just trying to survive in an ever-changing landscape aren’t just inherently valuable; they’re part of healthy ecosystems and must be prioritized. 

Thank you for your consideration of this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.