California officials move forward with plans to exterminate mule deer from island

Key Highlights

• California officials approved a plan to eradicate mule deer from Santa Catalina Island.
• The Catalina Island Conservancy considers the deer a nonnative species threatening local biodiversity.
• The extermination will be carried out by sharpshooters on the ground after public backlash against helicopter methods.
• Residents of the island have expressed strong opposition to the plan, emphasizing their connection to the deer.
• The plan was approved by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on January 26.