Court Clears Catalina Island Conservancy to Remove 2,000 Non-Native Mule Deer

A Los Angeles County judge tentatively denied an injunction September 1, 2026, letting the Catalina Island Conservancy start removing roughly 2,000 non-native mule deer. The deer, introduced a century ago for sport hunting, browse native shrubs, allowing invasive grasses that raise fire risk. Specialists will kill about 200 by rifle this fall. A final ruling is expected within 90 days.