The Ojai Post

“This was a difficult event for all involved. I am requesting that DFG provide the requested information on this incident to my office, as well as an outline of their policy regarding wild animals that move in and out of communities and neighborhoods,” said Nava. “Public contact with wildlife has become more frequent and is bound to increase in future years. It seems timely for a review of these potentially outdated policies.”

In light of both increased development in the urban/wildland interface and the proliferation of wildfires in recent years (which can destroy wildlife habitat and nudge animals closer to contact with humans), it is clear that incidents similar to that which occurred in Ojai this week will only become more frequent.

Said Nava, “It is vitally important that we take efforts to both ensure public safety and protect wildlife.”

See letter below from Assemblymember Pedro Nava’s Office to the Director of the California Department of Fish and Game.

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October 16, 2009

Don Koch, Director
California Department of Fish and Game
1416 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Director Koch:

Earlier this week, Department of Fish and Game officials were contacted to respond to a large black bear that had climbed a tree in Ojai. As I understand it, the animal was ultimately tranquilized and euthanized.

A number of community members have contacted my office since the incident to express outrage over the euthanizing of the animal. Others claim to have been misled by Department officials who promised them the bear would be released back into the wild.

In light of both increased development in the urban/wildland interface and the proliferation of wildfires in recent years (which can destroy black bear habitat and move animals closer to contact with humans), it seems clear that wildlife incidents similar to that which occurred in Ojai this week will only become more frequent. Consequently, I am hereby requesting a meeting with you to review both the Department’s after-action report in response to this incident and the Department’s policy in regards to euthanizing animals.

Please contact my office to schedule a meeting in Sacramento within the next few weeks. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

PEDRO NAVA
Assemblymember, 35th District

Note from Suza, Thanks to:
Julia J. Di Sieno
Executive Director
Animal Rescue Team, inc.
805 896-1859
www.animalrescueteam.net

"Take nothing but photographs. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time."

October 16, 2009 (916) 718-7420