Judge clears cull of 2,500 mule deer on California's Catalina Island

A judge has dismissed a legal challenge, paving the way for a large-scale cull of approximately 2,500 mule deer on Catalina Island, California. The deer were originally introduced to the island in the late 1920s and have since grown into a population that threatens native plant life. Conservation authorities say the animals also contribute to elevated wildfire risks on the island. The cull is part of a broader strategy to protect the island's natural ecosystem and reduce fire hazards. Though the plan has proven controversial, it is now set to move forward following the court's ruling.