California Wildlife Center

Native California Wildlife

The cold, nutrient-rich waters off the California coast support a rich variety of sea life. The seals and seabirds that share our shores are visible proof of this underwater wealth. Further inland we live with a variety of wildlife, from those who have always thrived in this arid region to those who have learned to adapt to the urban environment.

This wild presence gives us a greater sense of where we belong in the larger scheme of things. For many people, it embodies a sense of freedom, a counter balance to our busy urban existence. However, finding harmonious coexistence with wildlife is not always easy. Seabirds eat trash and become ill, seals become entangled and trapped in discarded fishing line, and baby squirrels are orphaned by spring tree-trimming. California Wildlife Center is dedicated in providing assistance to these sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife for release back into the wild.

You may also want to check out other sources of species information:

• US Fish & Wildlife Service, Species page
• USGS Biology - Wildlife: Terrestrial and Endangered Resources Program
• The National Biological Information Infrastructure, California page
• California Department of Fish & Game, Wildlife, Fish & Plant Information & Programs
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds

Bobcat (Felis Rufus)

Facts

• Native to California
• Commonly mistaken as a lynx
• 11-33 lbs.
• Range is on average 15 square miles
• Long-legged for a cat, large paws
• Expert climber, swimmer, and powerful fighter
• Carnivorous; feeds mainly on rabbits and rodents
• Mostly nocturnal and crepuscular (dawn and dusk active)
• Spotted fur, tufted ears, short bobbed tail
• Known to crouch next to water troughs and streams and strike down bats as they fly low to drink

People and Bobcats

• Bobcats are usually shy, yet they may not run away at the first sight of a human
• Healthy bobcats are usually not an immediate threat to humans; they are only about the size of cocker spaniel
• Growls and snarls are so deep that people sometimes think bobcats are mountain lions
• Bobcats are generally not persecuted as pest species in North America. They may occasionally raid poultry, but bobcat depredations are uncommon
• People have been killing bobcats, hunting and trapping them for pelts, for profit since 1730
• Because they primarily prey on rodents, bobcats are very valuable to the environment; they help to keep the rodent population down

How to Coexist

1. If you see a bobcat, give it space and do not approach it; use noise to discourage it.
2. Do not leave pet food and water outside.
3. Bobcats usually don't threaten pets and children, since their main prey is much smaller, but it's a good idea to keep small pets indoors and small children shouldn't be left unattended.
4. Don't use poison to kill rodents. You may inadvertently kill bobcats and other wildlife that prey upon rodents.

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus Occidentalis)

Facts

• Average weight is 13 lbs, average wingspan 7 ft.
• Can live for 25-30 years
• Juveniles are brown with a white belly; they don't acquire adult plumage until 3rd year
• Adults are grayish brown with a white head, gray pouch, and black belly
• During breeding, pelican coloration changes to a yellow head and red pouch
• Birds can't sweat; the pouch helps pelicans to cool off in hot weather
• Brown pelicans fly with their head held back in a "Z" over their back
• Make spectacular head-first dives from up to 60 ft high to prey on fish in the ocean
• Air sacs beneath the pelican's skin cushion the impact, and help it to surface
• Fish are swallowed head first; if necessary, the bird tosses it in the air to get the head positioned correctly
• The expandable pouch below the pelican's bill can hold three times more than its stomach
• Breed on the ground on predator free islands or tree tops in coastal habitats
• Male pelicans gather materials for the nest and the female builds it.
• Egg laying typically occurs in March and April; incubation takes about one month
• Both parents incubate the 2-3 white eggs, and care for the young
• Young pelicans feed on regurgitated fish from their parent's pouches

People and Pelicans

• Brown pelicans in California are recovering from low numbers in the 1970s, largely due to habitat conservation and a reduction in pesticides, specifically DDTs, in the food chain. The pesticide weakened egg shells and reduced breeding success
• Food availability is now a major cause of concern for the brown pelican. The Pacific mackerel, Pacific sardine, and the Northern anchovy are important food for the pelican, especially during the breeding season. By the early 1900s, commercial over-harvesting of these fish had resulted in less food availability during this critical time
• Human development along the coast brings disturbance to the birds in their breeding and resting habitats. Nesting colonies are especially sensitive to human disturbance
• There is potential of a devastating oil spill from tanker traffic in the Santa Barbara Channel.
• Tanker traffic lanes are only a mile from a critical breeding colony at West Anacapa Island
• Other human hazards that brown pelicans face include entanglement in fishing lines, ingestion of fishing hooks and gun shot injuries
• Brown pelicans and fishermen have conflicts arising from competition for fish
• The brown pelican is protected under the Endangered Species Act; anyone found shooting, disturbing, or harming brown pelicans face prosecution from authorities

How to Coexist

1. Don't approach or harass brown pelicans, especially near nesting sites.
2. Don't feed brown pelicans fish or any other food.
3. Understand that if you use chum or bait fish, you will attract pelicans and other sea birds, as their natural prey is fish. After fishing, pick up used hooks and fishing line.
4. You can also help by keeping pollutants out of the marine environment. Don't dump toxic substances like oil, solvents, and other chemicals into waterways or into storm drains that lead to the ocean.

California Sea Lion (Zalophus Californianus)

Facts

• Carnivore (prey includes anchovies, squids, sardines, mackerel, rock fish)
• Habitat is shallow ocean water, rocks, and beaches
• Males are a chocolate brown color; females are a blonde color
• Face resembles a dog
• Have external ear flaps
• Adult males on average weigh up to 860 lbs., 7 ft. long
• Adult females on average weigh up to 240 lbs., 6 ft. long
• Southern California breeding occurs mainly on Channel Islands in June
• Adult females give birth to one pup in late June
• Pups usually weaned six months-one year
• Males migrate to the Pacific Northwest after breeding; females stay around rookeries year-round
• Female distribution/range is from Baja, California to Northern California
• Communicate with noisy, honking barks
• Sharks are the sea lion's natural predator in Southern California

People and California Sea Lions

• Frequent Visitor To Marinas And Docks-Colonies Of Sea Lions Have Been Known To Sink Boats And Small Docks
• Sea Lions Often Approach Commercial Fishing Vessels, Following Their Prey That Has Been Caught In Fishing Lines And Nets; This Can Lead To Hook And Fishing Line Entanglement Injuries
• Sea Lions Are Common Victims Of Gun Shot Wounds And Blunt Trauma

How to Coexist

1. Law mandates that people stay 100 feet away from a sea lion (whether on the beach or in the water)
2. If you see a sea lion on the beach, do not pour water on the animal or try to return it to the ocean, as they may be resting or warming up
3. If a Sea Lion appears sick or injured, contact the CWC Marine Mammal Rescue team to evaluate the health of the animal.

Coyote (Canis Latrans)

Facts

• Native to western North America
• Lives on the urban edge of Southern California communities, desert to mountains
• Mostly crepuscular (dawn and dusk active) and nocturnal; seldom diurnal (day active)
• Intelligent predator
• Opportunistic omnivore (eats both animals and plants), but primarily eats rodents
• Often tracks prey using sense of smell; stalks 20-30 minutes before pouncing
• Territorial pack animal
• Known to mate for life
• 20-30 lbs
• Woof softly, growl, bark, howl, and "sing" in a chorus
• Communicates with 11 different sounds, body language, and scent

People and Coyotes

• Adapting to urban areas as natural habitat shrinks
• Coyotes can change their breeding habits, diet and social dynamics to survive
• People feed coyotes -> coyotes lose fear of people -> conflict between people and coyotes -> coyotes destroyed

How to Coexist

1. Do not feed coyotes.
2. Coyotes will feed on human refuse. Secure garbage cans properly.
3. Do not leave pet food outside.
4. Erect walls and fences at least 6 feet high and 6 inches below ground to keep coyotes from jumping over them. You can try installing a "coyote roller" at the top of your fence.
5. Keep pets indoors.
6. Use noise to discourage coyotes from approaching homes and people; they should retain their fear of people.
7. Don't use poison to kill rodents. You may inadvertently kill coyotes and other wildlife that prey upon rodents.

Gray Fox (Urocyon Cinereoargenteus)

Facts

• Prefers brushy, woody and scrubby terrain
• Can climb trees 10 feet or less- known as the "tree fox"
• 5-14 lbs.
• Crepuscular (dawn and dusk active) and nocturnal
• Omnivorous (eats rabbits, rodents, insects, fruit, grains and nuts)
• Related to the smaller Island Gray Fox (endemic to the Channel Islands)
• Territories are determined by family groups (parents and juveniles)
• Male fox will tend to juveniles, but not den with them
• Adults have few predators
• Juveniles fall prey to domestic dogs, golden eagles, hawks and owls

People and Gray Foxes

• The gray fox has adapted well to urban environments; it can be found in almost any developed area that affords some degree of vegetation cover
• Urban foxes have a higher incidence of canine distemper than those in the wild due to their proximity to stray dogs; this is one reason urban foxes should not be relocated

How to Coexist

1. Foxes often become nuisances when they are fed by people. In these cases, feeding should be stopped and any unnatural food sources eliminated.
2. Keep all pet food and water inside.
3. Clean up birdseed on the ground-this attracts foxes and the rodents they prey on.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo Virginianus)

Facts

• Name derived from tufts of feathers on ears that appear to be "horns"
• Prefers habitats are thickly wooded canyons
• Nocturnal (night active) and Crepuscular (dawn and dusk active)
• Females are 10-20% larger than males
• Clutches prey by diving down from high perches
• Prey are usually killed instantly when grasped by the owl's large talons
• Carnivorous; top predator; preying on rodents, rabbits and birds
• A great horned owl can catch prey two to three times heavier than itself
• Eat their prey whole and regurgitate the indigestible parts (bones, fur and feathers)
• Pellets are regurgitated 6 to 10 hours after eating
• Great horned owls have a large repertoire of sounds: from deep hoots to shrill shrieks
• Owls are solitary in nature; only stay with their mate while nesting
• Both males and females incubate their chicks
• There are recorded flying speeds of great horned owls of up to 40 mph
• Great horned owls don't build nests of their own; instead, they use the nests of birds and squirrels or find hollows in trees and buildings

People and Great Horned Owls

• Great horned owls are generally shy in nature; that and their ability to adapt enable them to remain fairly common
• Great horned owls are protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Act
• They occasionally prey on domestic poultry and cats
• Great horned owls help to control harmful rodent populations

How to Coexist

1. Keep cats and small dogs indoors.
2. You can put up an "owl box" in your backyard to provide a home for some owls to help reduce the rodent population.
3. Drive slowly at night, taking care to look for owls and other wildlife.
4. Put a chimney cap or wire mesh over your chimney so owls don't nest there or fledge into your chimney.

Mountain Lion (Puma Concolor)

Facts

• Also called cougar, puma, panther and catamount
• 7-8 feet in length
• 150-300 lbs.
• Can see about 6 times better than a human
• Carnivorous, solitary hunters; they spend most of their life alone
• Their main prey in Southern California are mule deer
• Natural habitat is steep, rocky, canyon country
• Vocalizations include growls, hisses, screams and roars
• Individuals develop a preference for one type of prey which limits competition amongst each other

People and Mountain Lions

• Mountain lions are a protected species throughout the United States
• Mountain lion sightings in the Santa Monica Mountains are very rare due to diminishing numbers in California. Most people have actually seen a bobcat, deer, domestic cat, or coyote when they think they've sighted a mountain lion, however, if you're sure you've seen a mountain lion, report it immediately to the Department of Fish & Game at (916) 445-0045
• These cats have greatly diminished in number because they have lost habitats large enough to support them, and because they have been bounty hunted (for sport, for their pelts, or to protect livestock)
• Mountain lions have proven relatively unable to adapt to habitat loss and competition with humans (their chief enemy) for large ungulate prey (deer). They hardly ever harm humans, although they will attack in self-defense or to protect their cubs
• Mountain Lions are territorial and will defend their established ranges, particularly at courtship time
• For tips on what to do if you encounter a mountain lion while hiking, and other information about pumas, go to the Mountain Lion Foundation's website at: www.mountainlion.org

How to Coexist

1. Don't feed wildlife or leave pet food outside. Both may attract mountain lions by attracting their prey.
2. Keep pets secure. Roaming pets are easy prey.
3. Don't approach mountain lions; they want to avoid humans. Give them time and space to leave.
4. Never run past or from a mountain lion; this may trigger their instinct to chase. Make eye contact. Stand your ground. Pick up small children without turning away or bending over.
5. Always hike, backpack and camp in wild areas with a companion.

Mule Deer (Odocoileus Hemionus)

Facts

• Native to western North America
• Browser rather than grazer; primarily eats shrubs
• Crepuscular (dawn and dusk active)
• Rutting (mating) begins in October
• Fawns are born in April-June
• Excellent swimmer
• Two-toed ungulate (hoofed animal)
• Bony antlers in the male
• Antlers shed annually
• Long and mobile ears
• Ruminants-digest food like a cow

People and Mule Deer

• Natural predators of deer have been reduced in numbers (mountain lions, coyotes)
• Populations decline due to fragmentation, degradation, or destruction of habitat caused by urban expansion and human interaction
• Imprinting of fawns to humans: Imprinting on a person can lead to future association with people after release and lack of interest in breeding with its own kind; usually leads to the animal's death

How to Coexist

1. Plant trees and shrubs that are deer-proof. To get a list of deer-resistant trees and shrubs, write to the Resources Agency of CA Department of Fish and Game.
2. Hang bags of human hair in trees and shrubbery that you don't want deer to consume.
3. Be alert and drive carefully in areas where deer are likely to be present.
4. If you see a fawn lying still on the ground or walking around without its mother, leave it where it is.
5. If the situation is such that you feel the fawn's mother has been killed, call CWC.
6. Do not ever try to take a fawn home to raise it yourself.

Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga Angustirostris)

Facts

• Carnivore (prey includes squid, octopus, and fish in very deep water)
• Habitat is open ocean
• Average dives are at a depth of 2,000 feet for 20 minutes
• Longest recorded dive by an adult female lasted 2 hours
• Deepest recorded depth by an adult male was 5,141 ft.
• Adult males on average weigh 4,400 lbs., 14 ft. long
• Adult females on average weigh 1,300 lbs., 10 ft. long
• Males develop a large, inflatable nose that can be up to one foot long
• Mainly ocean-dwelling animals, only hauling-out to breed and molt
• Undergo a "catastrophic molt" once a year; they lose all hair and their top layer of skin
• During their molt, they have to stay on the beach and don't eat for up to two weeks
• Coat color is light brown before molt, dark brown right after molt
• Nearest rookery in Southern California is on the Channel Islands
• One pup is born to females in late December or early January
• Males establish territories for breeding in December, females arrive shortly after

People and Northern Elephant Seals

• Elephant Seals were hunted almost to extinction by humans for their blubber in the 1880s; only a few dozen survived
• The population is now over 150,000 due in part to the Marine Mammal Protection Act
• Northern elephant seal skin disease most often affects elephant seals during their annual molt; the lesions from the disease can make them susceptible to bacterial and parasitic infections. The exact cause of the skin disease is unknown, but it is suspected that high levels of toxins (from chemical run-offs like PCBs) in their blubber may be the cause

How to Coexist

1. Law mandates that people stay 100 feet away from a northern elephant seal (whether on the beach or in the water).
2. If you find a northern elephant seal on the beach, do not try to pour water on it or return it to the ocean.
3. If a northern elephant seal appears sick or injured, contact CWC's Marine Mammal Rescue team to evaluate the health of the animal.

Pacific Harbor Seal (Phoca Vitulina)

Facts

• Carnivore (prey includes fish, crustaceans, octopus, and squid)
• Habitat is shallow ocean water, sandy and pebble beaches, intertidal rocks and sandbars
• Coat color varies from black with white spots to white with black spots
• Do not have external ear flaps, but do have ear holes
• Adult males on average weigh 370 lbs, 6 ft long
• Adult females on average weigh 290 lbs, 5 ft long
• Mate in the water in August
• One pup born in April-May
• Mothers leave their pups on the beach while they forage for food
• Adults are typically not vocal, but may make grunting and snorting sounds to communicate
• Newborn pups vocalize with a repeated "maa" sound and growling noises
• Playful in the water; shy but curious
• Harbor Seal pups' natural predators in Southern California are coyotes, foxes and raptors

People and Pacific Harbor Seals

• Harbor Seals are very afraid of humans and will abandon favorite haul-out sites and/or pups due to human presence
• Pups waiting for their mother on the beach are often thought to be orphaned and are then disturbed by well-meaning humans

How to Coexist

1. Law mandates that people stay 100 feet away from a harbor seal (whether on the beach or in the water).
2. If you find a harbor seal pup on the beach, do not try to pour water on it or return it to the ocean.
3. If a harbor seal appears sick or injured, contact the CWC Marine Mammal Rescue team to evaluate the health of the animal.

Raccoon (Procyon Lotor)

Facts

• Opportunistic omnivore (eats both animals and plants)
• Eats acorns, grains, nuts, fruit, and small animals
• Natural habitat is wooded and wetland habitats
• Nocturnal and solitary except when breeding or caring for young
• If water is close, raccoons appear to wash food
• The raccoon's name "Lotor" means "washer"
• The goal isn't to clean food but to tear at it, feeling for edible matter
• Has nimble fingers, can easily turn doorknobs
• When very cold, they may sleep for several days to a month (not hibernation)

People and Raccoons

• Raccoons are very adaptable and tolerant of most human activity
• Sometimes they consume fruits, vegetables, and other crops because natural habitat and natural food sources have been diminished
• Domestic dogs may prey on raccoons
• Raccoons can carry diseases, so they should never be touched by people
• Foxes, bobcats, coyotes, owls, and other predators undoubtedly kill many young raccoons, but the automobile, disease, and human interaction are more significant causes of death

How to Coexist

1. Secure garbage cans.
2. Don't leave pet food or water dishes out.
3. Close dog and cat doors at night.
4. For ponds, submerge a wire mesh horizontally around the circumference of the pond. Fish can then escape to the center of the pond and raccoons will be discouraged from standing on the unstable mesh.

Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo Jamaicensis)

Facts

• Adaptable, common, and widespread in almost all habitats in Southern California
• Red-tailed hawks are in the group of birds known as raptors, or birds of prey
• They have a strong, hooked beak
• Typically weighs 2-4 lbs.; with the female nearly 1/3 larger than the male
• Diurnal (Day active)
• Carnivore-eats mostly small rodents, birds and reptiles
• Eyesight is three times better than ours
• A red-tailed hawk can see a mouse ½ a mile away
• Can fly up to 40 mph
• They search for prey by soaring or perching
• Have been known to hover on thermal wind or air currents
• Red-tailed hawks have a hoarse and rasping 2-3 second scream that can be heard while they're soaring
• Scrub jays and other predators sometimes take undefended red-tailed hawk eggs and nestlings
• Great horned owls and golden eagles commonly use old nests of hawks

People and Red-Tailed Hawks

• In California, state and federal laws protect all raptors
• Because of their inexperience in hunting, juvenile birds may be seen eating road-killed animals
• Hawks may sometimes kill chickens, and despite this rare occurrence, the red-tail is known in some parts of the country as a "chicken hawk." As a consequence, dead hawks hanging from fences and lying under trees and power poles are mute evidence that shooters, not understanding the economic or aesthetic importance of raptors, or perhaps unaware of protective laws, still kill them indiscriminately.

How to Coexist

1. Hawks are good at keeping the rodent population in check.
2. Don't use poison to kill rodents; you may inadvertently kill hawks and other wildlife that prey upon rodents.
3. Keep domestic birds inside, avoiding outdoor cages.

Striped Skunk (Mephitis Mephitis)

Facts

• Nocturnal (night-active)
• Omnivore-eats plants, insects, small mammals and amphibians
• 6-14 lbs.; male larger than the female
• Females only give birth once in their life
• Skunks are boldly colored to warn predators to stay away
• Anal glands are highly developed-can spray accurately up to 15 ft.
• Skunks do not spray unless mortally threatened
• They will usually arch their back, raise their tail as a warning
• When spraying, forms a U-shape, lifting head and rump in the air
• Natural predator of the skunk is the great horned owl
• Skunks do not hibernate but can become temporarily dormant during extremely cold weather

People and Striped Skunks

• Ammonia, gasoline and tomato juice all work for removing the skunk's scent out of clothing
• Carbolic soap and water are best for washing skin
• Pelts of the striped skunk are not highly valued, but the musk, once its odor is removed, is used as a perfume base due to its clinging quality

How to Coexist

1. Keep garbage cans secure.
2. Keep pet food and water inside.
3. Mothballs sprinkled on the ground discourage skunks from digging up lawns for insects and visiting homes or campsites, since they and many other small animals are repelled by the smell of camphor.
4. If you see a skunk during daylight hours, it is probably sick.
5. Since skunks can be rabies and leptospirosis vectors, do not attempt to catch the animal yourself, call a professional.

Virginia Opossum (Didelphis Virginiana)

Facts

• Only living marsupial native to North America
• Has a hairless prehensile tail that can grasp branches like a monkey
• Too heavy to hang by its prehensile tail
• Natural habitats are deciduous forests and wetlands
• Nocturnal (night-active)
• Adults about the size of a domestic cat
• Predators are owls, foxes, and domestic dogs
• Solitary Opportunistic Omnivore (eats both animals and plants)
• Females can be very aggressive when protecting their babies
• When attacked, they play "possum" (act dead)
• Babies are born the size of a bee
• Females have fur-lined pouch where babies crawl, grow and drink milk

People and Virginia Opossums

• People fear opossums due to rabies, but they aren't common carriers of rabies
• Opossums are generally shy and avoid people
• Raid garbage cans at night for food (opportunistic)
• Many opossums are killed on roads each year because they are extremely slow and often blinded by headlights
• Opossums are helpful by cleaning up dead animals (carrion) on the road
• They also help to control rodent and insect populations

How to Coexist

1. Opossums will feed on human refuse; close garbage with tight lids and pick up bird seed off the ground.
2. Do not leave pet food or water outside.
3. Secure dog doors and cat doors at night; this is often the way wildlife gets into homes.
4. Place ammonia-soaked rags or mothballs in the area where opossums frequent in/near your home.

Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus Griseus)

Facts

• Natural habitat is oak and walnut woodlands
• Range is from southern California to Washington, east to Nevada
• Native in southern California near or in local mountain ranges
• Also found in some of the less disturbed open areas that remain in the Los Angeles area
• Adult size up to 2 feet long, tail up to 1 foot long
• Long, bushy tail with bands of gray, white, and black
• Mainly eat pine nuts, acorns, and pine cones; will also eat buds, fungi, insects, and fruit
• Will bury acorns in the ground in summer, to dig up for food in winter
• Spend much of their time gathering and eating food, especially in preparation for winter
• Do not hibernate, but will put on weight and thicken their fur in anticipation of the cold
• Make nests of shredded bark and sticks called "drays" at least 20 feet high in trees
• Will often build more than one nest and alternate among them
• Breeding occurs in January-May with about 3-5 young in one litter in March-June
• In late summer, will make hoarse barking calls
• Generally non-territorial and shy, with the exception of lactating mothers

People and Western Gray Squirrels

• Once considered one of the most abundant mammals in the west in the 1920's, but mange, competition, and habitat loss have decimated many populations
• While eastern gray and eastern fox squirrels produce more offspring in times of abundance to compensate for population loss in lean times, the western gray appears unable to, which limits its ability to rebound from low populations.
• Western grays appear to be less tolerant of people and development than their eastern cousins.
• Western grays are a federal Species of Concern, but aren't listed as threatened or endangered.
• The Forest Service considers western grays a "sensitive" species and a "management indicator species" in oak and pine forests
• People hunt western grays in California and Oregon.
• Conservation groups in Washington state have petitioned the federal government to provide an emergency listing for this species

How to Coexist

1. Don't trim trees in the spring, wait until fall to trim to avoid disturbing nests and babies. Check for nests before trimming trees.
2. Don't feed squirrels, keep birdseed off the ground

Western Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma Californica)

Facts

• Natural habitat is oak woodlands and scrubby grasslands
• Back is gray-brown, belly is gray; head, wings, rump, and tail are blue
• Western Scrub Jays living along the west coast have brighter blue upper-parts and whiter throats than birds from the interior portion of their range
• Adults are about 11-13 inches long
• Have a sturdy, dark bill that is sometimes used to hammer nuts open
• Omnivorous; eating mostly acorns, nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects
• Often eat the eggs or young of other birds, but in summer are mainly insectivorous
• One pair defends a territory about 7.5 acres large, year-round
• Breeding occurs from early March to mid-August.
• Monogamous; usually lay 2-3 eggs; Male feeds female while she incubates the eggs
• Call is loud, throaty "jay" or "jree". In flight, a long series of "check-check-check" notes
• Jays bury many more acorns than they consume and help regenerate oak forests that have been destroyed by fire or drought

People and Western Scrub Jays

• In the early 1900s, many Western Scrub Jays were shot in the name of crop protection.

How to Coexist

1. If you see a baby bird (nestling) fall from the nest, you can put it back into its nest immediately if there are no signs of injury
2. If you see a fledgling (juvenile learning to fly) on the ground, leave it alone and bring your pets indoors for the next 3-5 days.