Which agency is responsible for updating wildlife reference materials following Assembly Bill 273?

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is the agency responsible for updating wildlife reference materials following Assembly Bill 273. This bill, aimed at improving the management of wildlife and habitat in California, mandates the development and dissemination of up-to-date information that is crucial for effective wildlife conservation and management.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has the expertise and jurisdiction over the state's wildlife resources, making it the appropriate agency to ensure that all reference materials reflect current regulations, science, and best practices relevant to wildlife management. This is essential for both educating the public and guiding professionals involved in wildlife preservation, research, and trapping practices.

Other agencies listed, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, while significant in national wildlife policy and management, do not operate at the state level in the same capacity as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The California Natural Resources Agency oversees broader natural resource management in the state and provides overall guidance but does not directly handle the specifics of wildlife references. The Wildlife Conservation Board focuses specifically on funding projects that enhance fish and wildlife resources rather than updating wildlife reference materials.