Title
Agriculture Department recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign a letter to California Department of Fish and Wildlife regarding mountain lion depredation permits in the County.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On March 23, 2024, a mountain lion attacked two brothers while antler shed hunting near Georgetown. The younger brother sustained injuries but was able to call 911. The older brother sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) issued a depredation permit to the County's professional trapper. The trapper was able to locate and euthanize the mountain lion within hours of the incident. Through DNA samples, CDFW was able to confirm that the mountain lion euthanized was the same animal involved in the fatal attack earlier in the day.
Mountain lion encounters are uncommon in California but do occasionally occur. However, this is the first confirmed fatality from a mountain lion attack in California since 2004. Since the attack, numerous domestic animals have been killed by mountain lions within the County, many occurring in daytime hours, which is not usual. Owners of the animals have contacted CDFW and obtained hazing permits, which the County trapper assisted with utilizing his dogs in many cases. Calls into the County from concerned citizens observing mountain lions lingering on their properties have increased. The Sheriff's Office has issued safety tips regarding wildlife encounters, reminding residents to stay alert and what to do if encountering a mountain lion.
El Dorado County accounts for 17% of all permits issued statewide for the period of 2019-2023. The County’s Fish and Wildlife commission has stated that the State’s policy on mountain lion policy should be considered as an experiment that has failed as the depredation in El Dorado County has increased.
On July 16, 2024, the Board received and filed a presentation of mountain lion activity and the Board directed staff to return within 60 days with a draft letter to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, proposing policy changes and options for the Board, with regards to a short- and long-term plan/path for key legislative changes. On October 8, 2024 the department presented a draft letter to the Board of Supervisors for CDFW. The discussion included Industry and public comment including family members of the brother who was fatally attacked, Director of CDFW and the Sheriff's Department.
Staff recommends the Board sign the revised letter to CDFW, urging the implementation of a new, comprehensive plan to address the increasing levels of conflict and depredation. This action is crucial in ensuring more effective management and response to the ongoing issues.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve and sign the letter to CDFW.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
7/16/24 Legistar File 24-1017, the Board directed staff to return to the Board within 60 days with a draft letter to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife proposing policy changes and options for the Board, with regards to a short and long term plan/path for key legislative changes. 10/8/24 Legistar File 24-1540, the Board received a report from the Agricultural Commissioner and received Industry comments detailing CDFW's procedures on depredation permits. It was moved by the Board to work with staff to edit the letter to CDFW regarding mountain lion depredation permits in the County and return to the Board with an item on the Consent Calendar for Board's approval.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Sheriff Office
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No financial impact is associated with the presentation of this item.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Obtaining the Chair's signature and mail the letter with attachment to California Department of Fish and Wildlife attention:
Director Chuck Bonham California Department of Fish and Wildlife 715 P Street Sacramento, Ca. 94244
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Priority: N/A
Action Item: SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: Strengthen emergency response capabilities and effectiveness.
CONTACT
LeeAnne Mila
Agricultural Commissioner
(530) 621-5520