Memorial Day Reminder: Suction Dredge Mining is Prohibited

Contact: Jordan Traverso, CDFW Communications, (916) 654-9937

 At the onset of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) would like to remind members of the public that instream suction dredge mining is prohibited throughout California. Existing law prohibits the use of any vacuum or suction dredge equipment in any California river, stream or lake.  Possession of a vacuum or suction dredge within 100 yards of closed waters is also prohibited. These restrictions were established to protect fish and wildlife, and other important natural and cultural resources in California. Sharing that common heritage, CDFW urges the public to respect both the letter and the spirit of the law.

For additional information about the moratorium and suction dredge mining in California, please visit www.dfg.ca.gov/suctiondredge.

###

CDFW Officers Cite Two for Abalone Poaching in Marine Protected Area

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) wardens cited two Southern California men for illegally taking Abalone from the Marine Protected Area (MPA) near Laguna Beach recently.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

CDFW wildlife officers observed Juni Pong, 47, from El Monte and Kuan Yee, 47, from Yorba Linda, entering the ocean at Moss Cove in Laguna Beach in full SCUBA gear. After more than an hour of diving the two men returned to the beach and were met by an officer who found two green abalone in each of the men’s diving gear.

Both suspects were cited for possession of abalone and take of fish inside a marine protected area, both potential misdemeanor violations, and then released. The abalone were photographed for evidence and returned to the sea, the men’s diving equipment was confiscated and impounded as evidence.

Abalone may only be taken north of San Francisco Bay during prescribed seasons. For complete ocean fishing regulations see http://www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/

The case will be forwarded to the Orange County District Attorney’s office for prosecution.

Media Contacts:
Lt. Eric Kord, CDFW Enforcement, (858) 538-6017
Andrew Hughan, CDFW Communications, (916) 322-8944

 

Boaters Urged to Help Fight Spread of Invasive Quagga and Zebra Mussels Over Memorial Day Weekend

Contacts:
Gloria Sandoval, Department of Boating and Waterways, (916) 715-1657 (cell)
Kyle Orr, Department of Fish and Wildlife, (916) 322-8958
Roy Stearns, Department of Parks and Recreation, (916) 654-7538
Christina Jimenez, Department of Water Resources, (916) 653-0979
Steve Lyle, Department of Food and Agriculture, (916) 654-0462

The California interagency effort fighting the spread of invasive quagga and zebra mussels urges boaters to remain vigilant over the three-day Memorial Day weekend.

People who launch vessels at any body of water are subject to watercraft inspections, and are encouraged to clean, drain and dry their motorized and non-motorized boats, including personal watercraft, and any equipment that comes into contact with the water before and after recreating at a waterway.

“Boaters have taken an active role in preventing the spread of mussels,” said California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Charlton H. Bonham. “These efforts must continue, so that the state’s aquatic resources are protected and available for the enjoyment of all.”

Quagga and zebra mussels, non-native freshwater mussels native to Eurasia, multiply quickly and encrust watercraft and infrastructure, and compete for food with native and sport species. These mussels can be spread from one body of water to another attached to nearly anything that has been in an infested waterbody, or via standing water from an infested waterbody entrapped in boat engines, bilges, live-wells and buckets.

To ensure watercraft are clean, drained and dry, many local agencies are conducting boat inspections. CDFW has posted a list of these inspections on its website (www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/quaggamussel) along with additional information about the invasive mussels and what people can do to help prevent their spread in California. Boaters should call ahead to check for restrictions prior to visiting their destination.

To prevent spreading invasive mussels and to breeze through an inspection, boaters can take steps before arriving at a water body. These include inspecting all exposed surfaces, removing all plants and organisms, draining all water, including water contained in lower outboard units, live-wells and bait buckets, and allowing the watercraft to thoroughly dry. Watercraft should be kept dry for at least five days in warm weather and up to 30 days in cool weather between launches in different bodies of fresh water. These measures are essential to safeguard California waterways.

CDFW has developed a brief video demonstrating the ease of implementing the clean, drain and dry prevention method, which can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaeAIPLoK-k. In addition, a detailed guide to cleaning vessels of invasive mussels is available on the Department of Boating and Waterways website at http://www.dbw.ca.gov/PDF/BoatingQuaggaGuide.pdf.

Travelers are also advised to be prepared for inspections at California Department of Food and Agriculture Border Protection Stations. Inspections, which can also be conducted by CDFW and the Department of Parks and Recreation, include a check of boats and personal watercraft, as well as trailers and all onboard items. Contaminated vessels and equipment are subject to quarantine or impoundment.

Quagga mussels were first detected in the Colorado River system in January 2007 and were later found in San Diego and Riverside counties. They are now known to be in 24 waters California, all in Southern California. Zebra mussels were discovered in San Justo Reservoir in San Benito County in January 2008.

Both species can attach to and damage virtually any submerged surface. They can:

• Ruin a boat engine by blocking the cooling system and causing it to overheat
• Jam a boat’s steering equipment, putting occupants and others at risk
• Require frequent scrapping and repainting of boat hulls
• Colonize all underwater substrates such as boat ramps, docks, lines and other underwater surfaces, causing them to require constant cleaning
• Cost the owners of these items a lot of money

A multi-agency effort that includes CDFW, the Department of Boating and Waterways, Department of Water Resources and State Parks has been leading an outreach campaign to alert the public to the quagga and zebra mussel threats. A toll-free hotline at 1-866-440-9530 is available for those seeking information on quagga or zebra mussels.

Hunting Licenses, Big Game Drawing Applications Now Available

Media Contacts:
Maria Melchiorre, CDFW License and Revenue Branch, (916) 928-6881
Craig Stowers, CDFW Wildlife Branch, (916) 445-3553
Janice Mackey, CDFW Communications, (916) 322-8908

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced hunters may now apply online for the Big Game drawing and purchase 2013-2014 hunting licenses. Transactions may be conducted at any CDFW license sales office, license agent or online.

All hunt tags for premium deer, elk, antelope and bighorn sheep are awarded through CDFW’s Big Game drawing. To qualify, the sales transaction must be completed before midnight on June 2, 2013. When completed, the customer will receive a receipt to show their hunt choices have been entered in the drawing. Mail-in applications will not be accepted. Beginning June 21, hunters may contact a CDFW license sales office or look online to check the results.

The following resources are available to assist hunters:

•To find a license agent near you or to purchase items online, visit http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing.

•To learn more about the Big Game drawing application process, view the 2013 California Hunting Digest (2013 Big Game) at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/publications/digest/.

•To purchase a license and submit drawing applications by telephone, contact the license sales line at (800) 565-1458.

Fund-raising Drawing Opportunities
CDFW’s random draw fund-raising program includes tags for deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and a bighorn sheep. Last year, those opportunities generated more than $300,000 for wildlife conservation.

The drawings for deer, elk and antelope are open to anyone 12 years of age or older as of July 1, 2013. The bighorn sheep drawing is open to anyone 16 years of age or older as of July 1, 2013. The cost to enter the drawings is $5.97 per entry, per hunt. Applicants do not need a valid hunting license to apply, and may apply for the drawings as many times as they wish by June 2, 2013. Winners will be required to purchase an annual hunting license. However, the tag will be issued at no additional cost.

Marble / Clipper and South Bristol Mountains Desert Bighorn Sheep Tag
The fund-raising random drawing bighorn sheep tag allows the hunter to hunt in the Marble / Clipper and South Bristol hunt zones with any legal method. The hunt dates are from Nov. 2, 2013 to Feb. 3, 2014, which is one month in advance of the general season. Any resident or nonresident who will be age 16 or older as of July 1, 2013 may apply as many times as they want. If successful, the hunter must attend CDFW’s mandatory bighorn sheep hunter orientation meeting before the tag is issued. Free guide services have been offered to the recipient of the random drawing fund-raising sheep tag.

Open Zone Deer Tag
An open zone deer tag allows the hunter to hunt during the authorized season dates of any hunt, using the specific method and meeting any special conditions of the tag for that hunt. Any resident or nonresident who will be age 12 or older as of July 1, 2013 may apply.

Northeastern California Pronghorn Antelope Tag
The fund-raising random drawing antelope tag allows the hunter to hunt in any of the northeastern antelope zones, (Mount Dome, Clear Lake, Likely Tables, Lassen, Big Valley and Surprise Valley) with any legal method. The hunt dates are from Aug. 3 to Sept. 22, 2013. Any resident or nonresident who will be age 12 or older as of July 1, 2013 may apply.

Owens Valley Elk Tag
The fund-raising random drawing tule elk tag allows hunting in any of the Owens Valley zones (Bishop, Independence, Lone Pine, Tinemaha, West Tinemaha, Tinemaha Mountain, and Whitney) with any legal method. The hunt dates are from July 27 to Aug. 25, 2013. Any resident or nonresident who will be age 12 or older as of July 1, 2013 may apply.

CDFW Reminds Residents to be Rattlesnake Safe

Media Contact: Janice Mackey, CDFW Communications, (916) 322-8908

As warm weather returns, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is reminding the public to be rattlesnake safe.

All of California is snake country. Much like bats, rattlesnakes are often misunderstood. They play an important role in the ecosystem by keeping rodent populations under control.

California has six venomous snakes, all of which are various species of rattlesnake. They are heavy-bodied, blunt-tailed with triangular-shaped heads. A rattle may not always be present, as they are often lost through breakage and not developed on the young. Additional species information can be found here: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/news/issues/snake.html.

Rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive and usually strike when threatened or provoked. Given room, they will retreat and want to be left alone. They are not confined to rural areas and have been found in urban environments, lakeside parks and golf courses.

The best protection against unwelcome rattlesnakes in the yard is to have a “rattlesnake-proof” fence. The fence should either be solid or with mesh no larger than one-quarter inch. It should be at least 3 feet high with the bottom buried a few inches in the ground.

Keep the fence clear of vegetation and debris. Encourage and protect kingsnakes, which prey on rattlesnakes, and other natural competitors like gopher snakes and racers.

On rare occasions, rattlesnakes can cause serious injury to humans. Most bites occur between the months of April and October when humans are most active outdoors. The California Poison Control Center notes that rattlesnakes account for more than 800 bites each year in the U.S. with one to two deaths.

CDFW recommends the following outdoor safety precautions:
-Wear hiking boots and loose-fitting long pants.

-Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through wild areas.

-When hiking, stick to well-used trails.

-Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day.

-Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see, and avoid wandering around in the dark.

-Step ON logs and rocks, never over them, and be especially careful when climbing rocks or gathering firewood.

- Remember, rattlesnakes can swim so never grab “sticks” or “branches” while swimming in lakes and rivers.

-Teach children to respect snakes and to leave them alone.

What to do in the event of a snake bite:
-Stay calm and wash the bite area gently with soap and water.

-Remove watches, rings, etc, which may constrict swelling.

-Immobilize the affected area and go to the nearest medical facility.

What you should NOT do after a rattlesnake bite:

• DON’T apply a tourniquet.
• DON’T pack the bite area      in ice.
• DON’T cut the wound with a      knife or razor.
• DON’T use your mouth to      suck out the venom.
• DON’T let the victim drink      alcohol.

For more general information on rattlesnakes, visit:
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74119.html.

Deer Hair-loss Syndrome Challenges California Researchers

Media Contact: Janice Mackey, CDFW Communications, (916) 322-8908

Low Fawn Survival Rate Impacts Population

Researchers at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) are studying a deer hair-loss syndrome across the state.

Wildlife experts are calling the issue “hair loss” but the real problem appears to be from the infestation of non-native lice and in some cases, a heavy infestation of internal parasites. Symptoms range from a scruffy looking hair coat to near complete baldness. Hair–loss syndrome is also associated with poor nutritional condition, making it difficult for fawns to survive to replace the normal mortality in mature deer.

“Some of us speculate that the louse-infested deer spend so much time grooming they become easy targets of predation by coyotes or mountain lions,” said CDFW senior wildlife biologist, Greg Gerstenberg. “While this theory is still under investigation, what we do know is that the louse has impacted migratory populations of California deer which now have a low fawn survival rate, making it difficult to replenish the herd.”

The goal of the research is to understand why the lice infestations are appearing as well as to understand the full impacts of the non-native louse species and hair loss. Information is also being shared with other western states that have similar issues in order to identify trends and potential treatments.

“It has been speculated that this condition may be attributed to an environmental deficiency of copper or selenium or some other underlying environmental factor such as a difficult to detect disease agent,” said CDFW state veterinarian, Pam Swift. “Regardless, we are conducting a comprehensive coordinated effort that will hopefully shed some light on this perplexing syndrome and minimize its effect on California’s precious deer population.”

To date, researchers have successfully captured and collected hair and blood samples from more than 600 deer and elk across California. Counting and identifying lice on each deer, applying radio collars to track the deer, and treating some deer for lice will hopefully give researchers some quantifiable information they need to identify trends and find a solution.

During “Be Bear Aware” Month CDFW Reminds Public to Stash Food and Trash

Black bear

Contact: Carol Singleton, CDFW Communications, (916) 322-8962

May is “Be Bear Aware” Month and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reminds the public to act responsibly when in bear country. Spring is the time of year when California’s black bears emerge from their winter dens in search of food. Because bears are attracted to anything edible or smelly, their search often leads them into campsites and residential neighborhoods, where trash and food is readily available.

There are an estimated 30,000 bears in California. Throughout spring and summer, CDFW receives many calls when bears break into homes, rummage through trash bins and raid campsites. These bears are often labeled “nuisance” bears, but in reality they are just doing what comes naturally to them, foraging for food.

“Our bear problems are human-caused. It is people’s behavior that needs to change,” said Marc Kenyon, CDFW’s Bear Program Manager. “By taking just a few precautions to secure food and trash, campers and residents can save themselves thousands of dollars in property damage, help protect their families from injury and save the lives of bears. Bears that become habituated to humans or conditioned to eating our food and trash often have to be killed.”

Tips for Bear-proofing your Home, Rental or Timeshare:

Bears have keen noses and can smell an easy meal from miles away. They can easily tear a front door off its hinges if they smell food left out on the kitchen counter. To protect your family and property from bear break-ins follow these simple tips:

• Purchase and properly use a bear-proof garbage container.
• Wait to put trash out until the morning of collection day.
• Don’t leave trash, groceries, or animal feed in your car.
• Keep garbage cans clean and deodorize them with bleach or ammonia.
• Keep barbecue grills clean and stored in a garage or shed when not in use.
• Only provide bird feeders during November through March and make them inaccessible to bears.
• Don’t leave any scented products outside, even non-food items such as suntan lotion, insect repellent, soap or candles.
• Keep doors and windows closed and locked.
• Consider installing motion-detector alarms, electric fencing or motion-activated sprinklers.
• Harvest fruit off trees as soon as it is ripe, and promptly collect fruit that falls.
• Securely block access to potential hibernation sites such as crawl spaces under decks and buildings.

Tips for Bear-proofing your Campsite:

No one wants to worry about housekeeping on a camping trip, but maintaining a clean campsite is the responsible and safe thing to do when visiting black bear country. Here are a few tips for bear-proofing your campsite:

• Use bear-proof garbage cans whenever possible or store your garbage in a secure location with your food.
• Store food (including pet food) and toiletries in bear-proof containers or in an airtight container in the trunk of your vehicle.
• Clean dishes and store food and garbage immediately after meals.
• Clean the barbecue grill after each use.
• Never keep food or toiletries in your tent.

Facts about Black Bears:

• The only species of bears in California are black bears. However, they do range in color from blonde to black, with cinnamon brown being the most common color.
• There are an estimated 30,000 black bears in California.
• Black bears will seek to avoid confrontation with humans. If encountered, always leave them an escape route.
• Males are much larger than females and can weigh up to 500 pounds, although average weight is about 300 pounds.
• Black bears can sprint up to 35 mph and they are strong swimmers and great tree climbers.
• A typical wild bear diet consists of berries, plants, nuts, roots, honey, honeycomb, insects, larvae, carrion and small mammals.
• As winter approaches, bears will forage for food up to 20 hours a day, storing enough fat to sustain them through hibernation. Bears often hibernate in large hollow trees 40 to 60 feet off the ground.
• Bears that are accustomed to people can become too bold and lose their fear of humans.

For more information including bear-proof containers and where to buy them, please visit http://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/bear.html.