Native Wildlife Profiles
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.
Through the links below, you can learn about some species of native wildlife in Southern California. Click on any image for wildlife species facts, how the animal adapts to human encroachment on its habitat, and how people can prevent problems with wildlife. Some animals you may commonly see around your neighborhood; others, such as the mountain lion, you would be lucky to see once in your lifetime.
You may also want to check out other sources of species information:
Terrestrial Animals
Coyote (Canis latrans)
A very vocal animal, is uses barks, growls, yips, whines and howls. A long howl is used for location, a short barks for danger, a yip to welcome, a growl to dominate, whining for bonding, and high-pitched barks to summon puppies.
Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
The Mule Deer has large ears that move independently and almost constantly, like a mule’s.
Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
They have a reputation for clever nighttime raids on garbage cans and because of their almost hand-like front paws with their long, thin mobile fingers they can learn to open cans, latches, turn on faucets and get into all kinds of fun and trouble.
Bobcat (Felis rufus)
The most common wildcat in North America, the bobcat is named for its short, bobbed tail.
Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)
The mountain lion is also known as a cougar, puma, or panther, and has the greatest range of any wild terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere, due to it's adaptability to virtually every habitat type.
Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
It is the only member of the dog family that regularly climbs trees to evade predators and to hunt its own prey, giving it the nickname "tree fox."
Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)
They may attack a bee hive, then wait for the angry bees to emerge from the hive, bat them out of the air, and eat them.
Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
It is noted for its reaction to threats, providing the genesis of the term "playing possum". It seems to be quite involuntary, as it will enter a near coma that can last up to four hours.
Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus)
In southern California it is generally found only in the mountains and surrounding foothill communities, reportedly having been driven there by a 1970 release of more aggressive Eastern Fox Squirrels in urban regions of Los Angeles.
Marine Mammals
California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
They are quite intelligent, can adapt to man-made environments, and even adult males can be easily trained. Because of this, California sea lions are commonly used for entertainment in circuses, zoos and marine parks; and are used by the US Navy for certain military operations.
Pacific Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
A subspecies of the Harbor Seal, the entire population amounted to approximately 25,000 as of 1984. They are found along the entire Pacific coast shoreline of California.
Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris)
These seals dive deep for food. The deepest dive records are held by female elephant seals and is currently at 1603 meters (nearly a mile) with a time of 119 minutes.
Birds
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Even though the female Great Horned Owl is larger than her mate, the male has a deeper voice. Pairs often call together, with audible differences in pitch.
Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
The raspy cry of the Red-tailed Hawk is used in movies to represent any eagle or hawk anywhere in the world.
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
"A wonderful bird is the pelican, his bill can hold more than his belly can…" A well known limerick that is, in fact, accurate. The pouch beneath it's bill can hold up to three times more than it's stomach.
Western Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica)
The Western Scrub-Jay feeds on parasites on the body of mule deer, hopping over the body and head of the deer to get them. The deer often help the jays by standing still and holding their ears up.
