Federal Wildlife Officers Euthanized 28,000 California Animals
The federal program addressed conflicts regarding predation and public safety, resulting in thousands of managed wildlife deaths.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Wildlife
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Should public wildlife management agencies prioritize nonlethal coexistence tools over lethal animal control?
In 2025, federal wildlife officers euthanized 28,000 animals across California to manage issues related to safety, crop damage, and predation. The agency also successfully dispersed approximately 1 million animals throughout the state.
Why it matters
This federal wildlife management program operates to mitigate direct conflicts between human activity and local wildlife populations. These annual figures provide context for how authorities balance public safety and agricultural protection in residential and rural areas.
Last year, federal officers removed 6,903 squirrels, 3,285 coyotes, and 1,743 feral swine in California. Additionally, 18 black bears and 14 mountain lions were euthanized, while state managers killed four wolves in Sierra County in October.
The players
Wildlife Services
A federal agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture that manages wildlife damage and conflicts involving human, agricultural, and safety interests.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
The state authority responsible for the management and protection of California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources.
The details
Wildlife Services employs methods including firearms, neck snares, and foothold traps to manage problematic wildlife. In Sierra County, state managers utilized nighttime drone operations to scare off wolf packs as part of local conflict mitigation efforts. The program aims to address ongoing safety concerns and agricultural loss, often working in coordination with local wildlife management strategies.
Timeline
October 2025: State wildlife managers euthanized four wolves in Sierra County.
2025: Federal wildlife officers euthanized 28,000 animals in California.
January 1, 2026: The Wildlife Coexistence Program was revived in California.
The Home Front
The revival of the $5 million Wildlife Coexistence Program marks a shift toward state-level management initiatives in California. This development follows a year of federal-led population control and signals a transition in how state authorities approach predation and property conflicts.
Homeowners in rural or semi-rural areas should contact their local wildlife extension office if they experience issues with predation or property damage. Residents living near high-conflict areas should also secure attractants like trash and pet food to reduce encounters with wild animals.
The takeaway
Wildlife management involves a complex mix of federal oversight and state-specific programs like the upcoming Wildlife Coexistence Program. Homeowners should track local management notices to understand which mitigation strategies are currently in effect for their specific county.
What happens next
The Wildlife Coexistence Program, which received $5 million in funding, is scheduled to launch its operations on January 1, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest management efforts in our Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Active NorCal.
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Should public wildlife management agencies prioritize nonlethal coexistence tools over lethal animal control?
