Keeping Wildlife Wild: California’s New Bill Would Prohibit Public Contact With Wild Animals

On Friday, Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-44) introduced AB 892, the Public Contact Safety Act, which aims to prohibit public encounters with wild animals such as primates, bears, elephants, sloths, otters, kangaroos, wallabies, servals, and caracals.

The bill, co-sponsored by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), Humane World for Animals, and the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), would make California the 15th state to restrict public contact with certain wild species if passed.

Public contact with wild animals is becoming more common, but it’s harmful in several ways. Not only does it jeopardize the welfare of animals, but it also poses a serious public safety risk. Many wild animals are bred specifically for these encounters. However, as they grow larger, stronger, or less cooperative, they often end up in unsuitable conditions, including backyard menageries or poorly-run facilities.

“This bill will not only help humans avoid situations where they could be needlessly harmed but will help to ensure that wild animals aren’t bred for human encounters and forced to endure a low quality of life,” said Animal Legal Defense Fund Legislative Affairs Program Director Kim Kelly. “Californian’s have advocated for strong animal protection laws in the state and this bill will continue to build on those efforts.”  

Wild animals can sometimes carry dangerous viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, which can pose serious health risks to people, especially children. Unfortunately, public handling of these animals is largely unregulated, leading to incidents where wild animals injure people.

The rise in public encounters with small cats like servals and caracals has been a concerning trend since the passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act in 2022. Images of people holding and petting these animals send a dangerous message—encouraging others to buy them as pets and fueling the wild cat pet trade. This not only drives demand but also blurs the line between genuine conservation and the harmful practice of keeping threatened or endangered species in captivity for breeding. True conservation protects wildlife in their natural habitats, not in private hands.

“Wild animals are complex creatures with specific needs and desires that cannot be met with a life premised on human entertainment,” said Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank). “This bill demonstrates our ongoing commitment to maintain thriving wildlife in our state and protect Californians from largely unregulated encounters with wild animals that put entertainment and profit over public safety and the well-being of vulnerable animals.”  

Animals such as sloths, otters, lemurs, kangaroos, and wallabies have also become the latest trends for selfies and public interactions. The popularity of these animals in the wildlife trade only worsens their already fragile status in the wild.

Wildlife should not be exploited for human amusement. These animals need to be protected in their natural habitat, where they can thrive free from the dangers of captivity. The Public Contact Safety Act is a vital step to ensure that we prioritize the well-being of wild animals and protect them from exploitation.