SB 1397: Mountain Lions: human-mountain lion conflicts program: scientific research.

This bill requires the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to maintain and expand its human-mountain lion conflicts program to protect public health and safety. The program must include nonlethal procedures to deter mountain lions from entering communities and prevent habituation to humans. The department must also engage in public outreach activities to inform the public about the program. A report will be submitted to the legislature by October 1, 2031, describing the program, its results, and recommendations for improvement. The department director will provide an annual status update to specified committees of the legislature until 2034. This bill is consistent with the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990 and furthers its purposes by addressing human-mountain lion conflicts and promoting public safety.