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A mother opposum sits on a tree branch in the summer with green leaves blurred in the background. Three babies peek over her back, their faces just visible. Text in a yellow box urges people in California to help make nuisance trapping more humane, stating "CALIFORNIA: SPEAK OUT FOR HUMANE WILDLIFE CONTROL" in white, capitalized letters.

Tell the WRC: Make Nuisance Trapping in California More Humane

Did you know that much of the trapping happening in your state or community isn’t for fur or sport, but under “nuisance animal” laws? These laws allow year-round trapping of many species, often with little oversight or accountability. Unfortunately, this means countless animals are caught in inhumane traps, suffering needlessly without any regard for their ecological role or welfare.

That’s why humane wildlife operators are some of the strongest advocates in our coalition. These professionals specialize in teaching coexistence and safe exclusion methods for dealing with wildlife in homes and buildings—no poisons, no traps. They represent the future of compassionate wildlife management, showing that coexistence is not only possible but practical.

Action Alert for California

Tomorrow, January 15, the California Wildlife Resources Committee (WRC) meets at 9 a.m. PT in Sacramento to discuss several critical wildlife management topics. This informal meeting provides an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration on state policies. 

On the agenda is Item 5, a proposed amendment to  California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 472, concerning the ways nongame animals can be killed. 

Our coalition’s humane wildlife operators are advocating for critical revisions to this proposal, including editing section 401, regarding issuance of permits for animals who cause damage, as well to:

  1. Specify the list of native species that can be trapped and killed.
  2. Shorten the allowed time length for traps to minimize suffering.
  3. Add a clause requiring that animals who cannot be relocated must be humanely euthanized immediately.

Right now there is little protection for nongame mammals suspected of causing damage to property – no bag limits, no time limits – which, as was brought to the attention of the Committee, is not in keeping with the Commission’s own policies. This is alarming for anyone who cares about ethical, science-based, and humane wildlife management.

Make sure your comments are respectful. This agenda is a dialogue and our partners are proposing changes to the WRC that aim to reduce unnecessary suffering and ensure that California’s wildlife policies prioritize ethics and coexistence over outdated methods. We  need buy-in rather than opposition!

How You Can Help

If you live in California, your voice is crucial! Here are three ways you can take action:

  1. Email the WRC to share your support for humane amendments to Section 472 and to add protections for animals to Section 401 (see bold bullet under #2).
  2. Attend the WRC meeting virtually or in person.
    • When you comment, tell commissioners you’d like the same protection for ALL native carnivores—from wild canids, like fox and coyotes, to other native meso-predators like badgers, skunks and raccoons—that is given to bobcats, beaver, deer, elk and gray squirrels through regulation Title 14 Section 401, which requires a person to apply for a permit to take animals suspected of damaging property.
  3. Spread the word about humane wildlife management practices and the importance of coexistence.

California has an opportunity to lead the way in creating compassionate and science-based wildlife policies. Let’s ensure that animals, ecosystems, and ethical values are at the heart of every decision. Together, we can hold the line for wildlife and work toward a better future for all species.