Governor Newsom Signs California Wildlife Coexistence Act Into Law
California’s wolves and many other species are at the center of a new statewide coexistence law after Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1135, the California Wildlife Coexistence Act, on September 29.
The new law is intended to help reduce conflicts between people and wild animals through proactive, nonlethal approaches, while providing additional tools to help communities respond to wildlife-related incidents. The measure is designed to support coexistence while helping keep both people and animals safer.
Under SB 1135, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will establish a Wildlife Coexistence Program when funding is appropriated by the Legislature. The program will help manage and track wildlife incidents, support community-based coexistence efforts, provide public education and assistance, and promote nonlethal ways to prevent and reduce wildlife conflicts.
The law also renames the former Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program as the California Wolf-Livestock Coexistence and Compensation Program, creating an ongoing framework to address conflicts involving wolves and animals on farms and ranches. When funded, the program can support proactive, nonlethal deterrence measures, while also providing compensation for eligible wolf-related losses.
Senator Catherine Blakespear, who authored SB 1135, stated:
“I thank the Governor for signing SB 1135, which meaningfully addresses human and wildlife conflict by using thoughtful, proactive strategies that are non-lethal. We have now re-established a wildlife coexistence program in California, so we can better protect communities, people and animals that call our state home.”
The signing follows separate state budget action providing $5 million for wolf-related programs in California. Of that funding, $2.5 million is designated for wolf-livestock compensation, while another $2.5 million is available for other wolf management activities. Governor Newsom signed the related 2026 budget measure, AB 113, on September 18.
Following the signing of SB 1135, Team Wolf stated:
“Today is a victory for California’s wolves—and for wildlife across the state.”
WAN and Peace 4 Animals will continue to follow the implementation of the California Wildlife Coexistence Act and efforts to protect wild animals throughout the state.
