Mountain lions: depredation permits.
The key change proposed by AB8 is to modify the existing requirement that the Department of Fish and Wildlife must issue a permit to take a mountain lion following confirmation of depredation, allowing for the issuance of permits while removing the requirement. This shift from a mandatory to an authorized process could expedite management responses to depredation events. It declares that the modifications are also consistent with the purposes of the California Wildlife Protection Act, emphasizing the continuous legislative support for the protection and management of wildlife in the state.
Assembly Bill No. 8, introduced by Assembly Member Bloom, aims to amend Section 4803 of the Fish and Game Code regarding mountain lions and the issuance of depredation permits. This bill comes in the context of the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990, which established mountain lions as specially protected mammals. Under this act, it is currently unlawful to take, injure, possess, or sell a mountain lion or any product derived from one. However, the act also provides a mechanism for individuals whose livestock or property have been harmed by mountain lions to request a permit to take the animal responsible for the damage.
Notably, this change may lead to contention among stakeholders. Proponents may argue that the new measures provide necessary flexibility to farmers and ranchers to protect their livelihoods against wildlife threats. In contrast, wildlife advocates could raise concerns that loosening the permit requirements for taking mountain lions could set a precedent for increased wildlife mortality and potentially disrupt the ecological balance. The bill also requires careful consideration of the potential implications for both human activity and wildlife conservation efforts.