California Department of Fish and Wildlife Seeks Public Input on First-Ever Bobcat Management Plan

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has officially opened a public comment period for its newly released draft California Bobcat Conservation and Management Plan. This 133-page document represents the first comprehensive management strategy for the species in state history. The initiative follows the 2020 enactment of California Assembly Bill 1254, which placed a moratorium on the hunting and trapping of bobcats across the state. The current draft provides a scientific foundation for potential future management scenarios, including the possibility of reinstating regulated hunting seasons under strict oversight. According to the CDFW, the plan was developed over five years and incorporates data from the California Bobcat Population Monitoring Project. Recent studies indicate that bobcats remain widely distributed throughout the state, with a stable population estimated at more than 62,000 individuals. The draft plan identifies vehicle strikes and diseases, such as mange, as the primary causes of mortality for the species. By establishing a formal management framework, the state aims to ensure that any future decisions regarding bobcat populations are grounded in current ecological data. The California Fish and Game Commission holds the sole authority to determine whether to lift the current hunting ban. This management plan is intended to provide the commission with the necessary scientific information to inform that decision-making process. The CDFW is encouraging stakeholders, conservationists, and the public to review the document and submit their feedback. Written comments are being accepted through November 1, 2026, via email or mail to the department. This process reflects a broader trend in wildlife management where states are increasingly moving toward data-driven, regulated frameworks to balance species protection with human-wildlife interaction. The outcome of this public comment period will be a critical step in determining the long-term strategy for bobcat conservation in California.