SB 1397 Moves Forward as El Dorado County Remains Ground Zero for Mountain Lion Conflicts
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — April 14, 2026 — A bill aimed at reducing dangerous encounters between humans and mountain lions has cleared a key legislative hurdle, signaling potential relief for rural communities in El Dorado County and across California.
Senate Bill 1397, introduced by Marie Alvarado-Gil, passed the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee this week. The measure directs the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to expand its Human-Mountain Lion Conflict Program, with an emphasis on nonlethal deterrence, scientific research, and public education.
The bill now advances to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Local Impact: A Region Under Pressure
For residents of El Dorado County, the issue is not theoretical. The foothill region has seen a marked increase in mountain lion activity, with more than 200 domestic animal deaths reported in 2024 alone, according to legislative findings and local reports. Sightings have occurred in daylight hours, including near schools and residential areas.
The urgency intensified following a fatal 2024 attack involving two brothers searching for shed antlers, underscoring the growing risks tied to shifting wildlife behavior. Experts point to post-wildfire habitat disruption and the expansion of the wildland-urban interface as contributing factors.
What the Bill Does
SB 1397 mandates a comprehensive approach to managing human-wildlife conflict. Key provisions include:
- Expansion of nonlethal deterrence methods, such as hazing and habitat modification
- Increased funding and coordination for scientific research
- Enhanced public education campaigns in high-risk areas
- Regular engagement with counties experiencing elevated conflict levels
- Annual updates to the Legislature, with a full report due by 2031
The measure prioritizes prevention strategies designed to reduce habituation—when wildlife becomes accustomed to human presence—thereby lowering the likelihood of aggressive encounters.
Law Enforcement and Conservation Support
The bill has drawn backing from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the offices of sheriffs in Amador, Lassen, Riverside, and El Dorado counties. Local officials say the measure provides long-needed tools to address a growing public safety concern.
A coalition of wildlife conservation organizations also voiced support, emphasizing the bill’s balance between safety and humane wildlife management.
“SB 1397 takes a crucial step forward by requiring the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to maintain, enhance, and expand its human-mountain lion conflict program,” the coalition wrote in a joint statement. “It promotes nonlethal wildlife management by prioritizing deterrence and prevention.”
A Rural Issue Becoming Statewide
While the Sierra foothills remain a hotspot, lawmakers warn that similar conflicts are emerging in other parts of California. As development continues to push into wildlife habitat, encounters are expected to increase.
Sen. Alvarado-Gil framed the bill as both a local necessity and a statewide safeguard.
“This bill is a critical step forward for the families I represent in rural Senate District 4, who live every day with the reality of mountain lion encounters,” she said. “By strengthening nonlethal tools, research, and community partnerships, SB 1397 protects public safety without compromising our state’s conservation values.”
She added, “The measure directly addresses the safety needs of rural California while providing statewide tools to prevent habituation and reduce human-mountain lion conflicts for all Californians.”
What Comes Next
SB 1397 will next be evaluated by the Senate Appropriations Committee, where lawmakers will assess its fiscal impact. If approved, it will proceed to the full Senate for a vote.
For El Dorado County residents, the bill represents a significant step toward addressing a growing threat that has increasingly blurred the line between wilderness and neighborhood.
