Mammals of Coal Oil Point Reserve

Coyotes, Canis latrans, occupy North America and Central America, from northern Alaska to Panama (1). Coyotes are only native to the western two-thirds of the United States but are present from the west coast to the east coast, including California (2). While coyotes can live in almost any area with enough prey, they are commonly observed in California’s sagebrush, desert shrub, savanna, grassland, chaparral, forest, and alpine habitats (1)(2). Coyotes have a dog-like appearance, with large pointed ears, long legs, and a drooping black-tipped tail. Fur color varies considerably across the 19 subspecies, but is often predominantly gray, yellow, red, or brown, interspersed with black and white. Their legs and face are generally red-brown and their underside is often a pale white (3). Adult coyotes range from 1 to 1.3 m (3.2–4.3 ft) in length and weigh between 12 and 14 kg (26.5–30.9 lb) (4).

Coyotes are omnivores, but the majority of their diet consists of meat. They mainly prey on small mammals such as rabbits and rodents. However, they are also known to consume larger mammals such as elk, pronghorn, and livestock, although these prey are likely scavenged. Coyotes supplement their diet with a wide variety of other foods including shellfish, lizards, and fruits (1)(2). While coyotes tend to be more active at night, typically at dusk and dawn, they are occasionally observed during the day (1)(3). Coyotes are generally solitary animals, except during the breeding season (February through fall) when family groups are formed (1)(2). less ↑

Gray foxes, Urocyon cinereoargenteus, are found in southeastern Canada, a large portion of the United States, and most of Central America (1)(2). They are native to California and are present throughout the state except in the far northeast counties (3). They tend to live in deciduous forests, grasslands, chaparral, and shrublands (1)(2). Gray foxes are covered in gray fur with some white, brown, and yellow patches on their throats and undersides (2). Their tails have a distinctive black tip, and their pointy ears are the same grayish color as their heads and backs (1). On average, gray foxes are between 0.80 and 1.12 m long (2.5–3.6 ft) and weigh about 3.5–7 kg (7.7–15 lbs).

Gray foxes are omnivores and primarily hunt for small vertebrates but also eat fruit and invertebrates, especially grasshoppers and beetles. They search for food at night and can also be active during twilight (4). Gray foxes are thought to be monogamous, but they tend to be solitary animals for most of their lives. less ↑

Red foxes, Vulpes vulpes, have a wide distribution that encompasses North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia (1). In California, they are present in the higher elevation portions of the Sierra Nevadas and in the coastal counties between Sacramento and Los Angeles (1)(2). While red foxes are native to North America, many populations were introduced from Europe, including the populations in Southern California (3)(4).

Red foxes tend to live in scrub and woodland habitats; however, they are highly adaptable to new environments and can be found in both tundras and deserts (5). They are characterized by yellow-red to red-brown coats and white or ashy undersides with black legs. Their bushy tails have white tips in contrast to their pointed, black-tipped ears (6). Red foxes measure between 45.5 and 90 cm (1.5–3 ft) in length and weigh between 3 and 14 kg (6.6–30 lb) (5). They are mostly nocturnal but are also active during dusk and dawn. Red foxes hunt for ground-dwelling mammals, like rodents and rabbits, and search for fruit, vegetables, and insects (1). less ↑

Bobcats, Lynx rufus, are widely distributed throughout most of the United States, extending into southern Canada and Mexico (1). They are native to California and are found across the state (2)(3). Bobcats prefer temperate regions and live in forest, brushland, chaparral, and dune habitats (3)(4). Their short, black and white tipped tails and brown coats with dark brown or black spots and stripes help them camouflage in a wide range of habitats. They range from 0.7 to 1.0 m in length (2.3–3.3 ft) and weigh between 5 and 15 kg (11–33 lb) (3). Bobcats are mostly active during dusk and dawn (4). These solitary, carnivorous animals hunt primarily for rodents, large ground birds, and rabbits, though they are opportunistic and have been spotted eating many other types of prey (3)(4). less ↑

Mountain lions, Puma concolor, are the most widespread large mammal in the Americas, ranging from Alaska to Argentina, though they are most prevalent in the western United States (1)(2). They are present throughout the majority of California (3)(4). Mountain lions tend to live in mountainous regions and prefer woodland, chaparral, and desert habitats (1). Mountain lions are also called pumas or cougars (4). They have slender, muscular bodies with rounded heads and long tails (1). Their short fur is yellow or gray-brown on their backs and white on their undersides. Not including their tails, which are about one third of their total length, mountain lions range from 0.86 to 1.54 m (2.8–5 ft) long. Typically, the males are larger than the females, with male mountain lions weighing 68 kg (150 lb) on average and females weighing around 55 kg (120 lb) (1)(4).

Mountain Lions are carnivorous animals that hunt primarily for mammals, including deer, rabbits, sheep, and rodents (4)(5). They are considered both nocturnal and crepuscular, so hunting occurs at night and during dusk and dawn. Mountain lions may experience competition for prey from other large predators, like bears and wolves, but adult mountain lions have no natural predators (1). less ↑

Striped skunks, Mephitis mephitis, are native to North America and are distributed across the United States and into southern Canada and northern Mexico (1). In California, striped skunks are found throughout the state except in the arid southeastern desert regions (2). They live in almost all North American habitats, excluding deserts; these include wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, brushlands, and suburban and urban areas (1)(3).

Striped skunks have squat bodies, triangular shaped heads, and bushy black and white tails. They have black fur with a white stripe that extends backwards from the head and splits into a “v” shape on the back. Striped skunks are about 45–80 cm long (1.5–2.6 ft) and are a bit larger than the average housecat (1). As opportunistic omnivores, their diet can include insects, eggs, small vertebrates, and plants (2). Striped skunks are preyed on by raptors, cats, and canids, but their defensive mechanism of spraying a distasteful scent often prevents predation (3)(4). less ↑

Western spotted skunks, Spilogale gracilis, are found from British Columbia to Baja California, Mexico. They occupy the western United States and live as far east as southwestern Texas (1). Spotted skunks inhabit most of California, except in high mountains and dry deserts, and live in many types of habitats, including near streams, rocky outcrops, forests, beaches, and urban areas (2). Western spotted skunks are black and white in color and have squat, weasel-like bodies with a fluffy tail. They have a white splotch on the face, three pairs of white stripes running from the head to the back, and three additional pairs of white stripes and spots running side to side close to the tail. Western spotted skunks are a small species of skunk with an average length between 35 and 45 cm (14–18 in) (1).

As a nocturnal species, western spotted skunks forage at night for insects, small mammals, carrion, fruits, and berries. It is quite rare to observe a western spotted skunk in the wild due to their highly secretive nature and tendency to hide in burrows or dens. Western spotted skunks are also known for their handstand behavior; when a threat is encountered, they can balance on their front paws and may eject a potent odor, or “musk”, as a last-resort method of defense (3). less ↑

Long-tailed weasels, Mustela frenata, are found in southern Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America, and into parts of northern South America (1). They are present throughout California, excluding the southeastern portion of the state. While long-tailed weasels have the widest range of all mustelids, their population has declined by about 90% in North America in the last 60 years (2). They have been observed in open forest, woodland, shrub, grassland, and agricultural habitats (3).

Long-tailed weasels have slender bodies with long, bushy tails and short legs. Their fur is dark brown on the back and white or yellow on the belly. While the females are smaller than males, the adult body length is between 28 and 42 cm (11–16 in), and the tail length is between 11 and 29 cm (4–11 in) (1). Long-tailed weasels are not social and tend to be aggressive towards intruders, as well as members of their own species in their territory. While long-tailed weasels are mostly nocturnal, they are also known to be active during the day. Their diet mainly consists of small rodents but also includes reptiles, birds, and fruits. Mating occurs in the summer and litters are raised in nests often located in the burrows of other mammals (3). less ↑

American badgers, Taxidea taxus, are found in Canada, the western and central United States, northern Mexico, and southwestern British Columbia (1). In California, American badgers can be found anywhere from the mountains to the coast, and prefer to live in open grassland, chaparral, forest, and desert habitats (2). Along with their stocky, low-lying bodies, squat legs, and short tails, American badgers can be identified by their coloration and large claws used for digging. Their fur ranges between gray, yellow-brown, and red-brown. American badgers also have black patches on each side of their head, a white throat and chin, and a white stripe running from the snout along the back. On average, American badgers are 0.52–0.88 m (1.7–2.9 ft) in length from head to tail. American badgers are highly secretive and solitary animals (3). Known for tearing up the ground, American badgers may create and hide in a different den each day. When hunting, American badgers dig into ground burrows in pursuit of their primary food source, ground-dwelling rodents like squirrels and gophers (1). less ↑

Northern raccoons, Procyon lotor, are found from Canada to Panama, as well as some parts of Europe (1). They occupy the majority of the United States and are one of California’s native species. With their stocky build and human-like paws, northern raccoons can be distinguished by their mask-like black fur on their face and bushy tail marked with four to ten black rings. Their fur, which is shed during the summer, ranges from dark gray to black. On average, northern raccoons are 0.78–0.93 m (2.5–3.1 ft) in length from head to tail and weigh 4–8 kg (9–18 lb) (2).

While they can live in a wide variety of habitats, including marshes, shrublands, forests, grasslands, and urban areas, raccoons tend to avoid extremely dry areas and are most abundant near bodies of water (1)(3). Mating occurs during late winter and family groups will remain together until early summer (2). As hunters and foragers, raccoons eat a wide range of plants, animals, and even edible scraps from human trash (3). Raccoons are generally nocturnal, but can be spotted during the early morning and close to dusk. less ↑

Black bears, Ursus americanus, are found in Canada, the United States, and Mexico (1). In California, black bears have been observed in the northern Coast Ranges, the Central Valley, and Southern California’s Transverse Mountain Range. Black bears inhabit a wide variety of habitat types, including forests, desert scrublands, riparian areas, woodlands, chaparral, and desert grasslands. Black bears have shaggy, black coats, brown snouts, rounded ears, and stubby tails (2). While females are usually smaller than males, the average body length of an adult black bear ranges from 1.2 to 2 m (4–7 ft) (3). The average body weight for males is between 68 and 136 kg (150–300 lb) (2).

While they are generally active during the day, black bears can become nocturnal in areas with human food sources (1). Black bears are omnivores and can adapt to many different diets, especially when food is scarce. Their diet includes plants, insects, berries, acorns, dead animals, and occasionally live animals. While black bears are not true hibernators, they do participate in denning during the winter months. When denning, black bears experience a period of reduced activity that is spent in their dens, usually located in the hollows of trees. less ↑

California sea lions, Zalophus californianus, are found along the western coasts of Canada, the United States, and Mexico (1). They are native to the west coast of the United States and are commonly observed along California’s coast. As semi-aquatic mammals, California sea lions spend most of their time in aquatic habitats but are also known to haul-out, or temporarily leave the water. They can be observed in coastal waters and on beaches, rocks, docks, buoys, and boats (2).

California sea lions have slender bodies with wide flippers and a narrow, whiskered snout. Adult males can be differentiated by their large size and forehead crest, or distinct bump on the top of their head. Their fur color ranges from blonde to dark brown, and their coats become dull before their annual molting (1). The average body length is 2.3 m (7.5 ft) for males and 1.9 m (6.2 ft) for females (3). As generalist feeders, their diet includes a wide variety of fish, squid, octopus, and crustaceans (1). While sea lions are generally playful, intelligent, and social animals, males can be very territorial and aggressive. California sea lions are considered to be weakly polygynous, meaning that they will sometimes form groups made up of females and juveniles that are dominated by one male. less ↑

Harbor seals, Phoca vitulina, are found along the northern coasts of North America, Europe, and Asia (1). They are native to California’s coast and are found in both marine and terrestrial habitats, including lagoons, kelp forests, estuaries, beaches, and rocky coastlines (2). Harbor seals have a torpedo-like body shape and short flippers (1). Their fur is covered in dark spots and can vary from white, silver, dark gray, and brown with a paler belly (3). Harbor seals can grow up to 1.9 m (6.3 ft) in length and weigh up to 168 kg (370 lb) (2). As generalist hunters, harbor seals eat a wide variety of fish, squid, octopus, and crustaceans (1). Unlike the barking California sea lion, harbor seals rarely make vocalizations, only occasionally hissing or growling when agitated. Harbor seals are considered to be weakly polygynous, meaning that they will sometimes form groups made up of females and juveniles that are dominated by one male. less ↑

Ornate shrews, Sorex ornatus, are endemic to the west coast of North America and range from Northern California to Baja California, Mexico (1). In California, ornate shrews are found west of the Sierra Nevada mountains and south of Mendocino County, including the Central Valley (2). They prefer riparian habitats and are often found in grasslands, chaparral, and wetlands (1). The body shape and appearance of ornate shrews are mouse-like, though their noses are more elongated and pointed (3). Ornate shrews are mostly brown with gray undersides, but their coloration can change throughout the year as a result of molting. Ornate shrews average 11 cm (4 in) in length and have a lifespan of 1–1.5 years (4). Their diet consists primarily of insects, as well as some amphibians, snails, and slugs. Though they are active during both day and night, the majority of their surface activity occurs nocturnally, making them difficult to spot (2). less ↑

Broad-footed moles, Scapanus latmanus, are found in southern Oregon, most of California, western Nevada, and Baja California, Mexico (1). Broad-footed moles live in grassland, pasture, montane foothill, valley foothill, riparian, cropland, orchard, wet meadow, and open forest habitats. They can be identified by their wide front forepaws, tiny eyes, and short hairy tails (2). Their paws and noses are often pink, and the color of their fur ranges from light gray to black (3). While their total length is between 13.6 and 19.3 cm (5.4–7.6 in), their tail is only 2.1–4.5 cm (0.8–1.8 in) long (2). They primarily consume underground invertebrates and plant parts (3). Broad-footed moles are burrowers that spend the majority of their time underground (2). Their complex burrow system consists of shallow tunnels used for foraging and deep tunnels used for resting and nesting. less ↑

Brush rabbits, Sylvilagus bachmani, are found in western North America from the Columbia River in Oregon through Baja California, Mexico (1). In California, they are present west of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountain Ranges. Brush rabbits live in chaparral and forest regions, with preferences for shrubby habitats. They have white bellies with a mix of gray, black, white, and orange fur across the rest of the body. Their bodies range from 28 to 35 cm long (11–14 in) and weigh between 0.5 and 0.9 kg (1–2 lb) (1)(2). They are most active between dusk and dawn.

Brush rabbits are herbivores and primarily eat grasses, berries, and leaves (1)(3). They are mostly solitary, with tendencies to forage near other members of their species. Brush rabbits occupy burrows and tunnels as well as dense brush when not foraging (3)(4). When threatened by a predator, they sit completely still for an extended period of time or run away in a zig-zag pattern at speeds up to 25 mph (1). less ↑

The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), commonly known as the North American opossum, is a marsupial found in North America. It is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. In the United States, it is typically referred to simply as a possum. It is a solitary and nocturnal animal about the size of a domestic cat. It is a successful opportunist. It is familiar to many North Americans as it is often seen near towns, rummaging through... less ↑

California voles, Microtus californicus, are found from southern Oregon to northern Baja California, Mexico (1). They inhabit most of California, excluding the state’s northernmost corners and southeastern deserts. They live in low elevation grasslands, wet meadows, coastal wetlands, open woodlands, shrublands, and chaparral (2)(3). California voles have a mouse-like appearance but have a stockier build, shorter tail, and smaller ears than most mice. Fur color is brown, red-brown, or gray with scattered black hairs and a paler underside. Their body length ranges from 13.9 to 20.7 cm (5.5–8.15 in), including the tail, which measures between 3.9 and 6.8 cm (1.5–2.7 in) (3). California voles eat herbaceous plants. They primarily live underground in burrows and only move aboveground to feed and defecate (4). California voles are social and live in family groups within their burrows (3). They are most active during dusk and dawn. less ↑

Big-eared woodrats, Neotoma macrotis, are found from southern California into Baja California, Mexico (1). In California, they have been observed in the coastal counties from Monterey to San Diego and in the Sierra Nevada mountains south of the Tahoe region (2). Big-eared woodrats live in forests, chaparral, mountain foothills, and along coasts (3)(4). They are generally found in habitats with coast live oak or California foothill pine trees (4).

Like their name suggests, big-eared woodrats have big ears, but can also be identified by their large eyes and fur covered tails. Their fur ranges from light to dark shades of gray or brown, with a white underbelly and pale colored paws (1)(4). On average, the bodies of big-eared woodrats measure 18.8 cm (7.4 in) in length (4). While their diet mainly consists of bark and leaves from woody plants, especially coast live oaks, they are also known to eat fungi, flowers, grasses, and acorns (3)(4). Big-eared woodrats forage and nest around trees, on the ground, and in vegetation (1)(3). They build large nests constructed from sticks piled on the ground or in trees (3). The nests can be up to 2.4 m (8 ft) in height and diameter. Big-eared woodrats are primarily nocturnal and active year-long. less ↑

Deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus, are widespread in North America and can be found from Canada to central Mexico (1). In the United States, they are present everywhere except in the southeast and are observed throughout California. Deer mice are known for their ability to persist in many diverse habitats, but in California they commonly live in desert, grassland, shrubland, forest, and alpine habitats (1)(2). Deer mice have round bodies, large black eyes, and a tail that ends in a tuft of hairs. The color on the tops of their bodies can be gray, red-brown, or yellow-brown, while their undersides and paws are white. A major distinguishing feature is their bicolored tail; the top of the tail is the same color as the top of their body, while the bottom is the same color as the underside (3). Deer mice range from 11.9 to 22.2 cm (4.7–8.7 in) in length (4).

Deer mice are nocturnal and active year-round (1). Their diets include terrestrial arthropods, fungi, and plant material such as seeds, nuts, fruits, and berries. In preparation for winter, deer mice store food in hidden caches. Deer mice live in social groups and either nest in underground burrows or construct nests above ground out of materials like grass and moss (1)(4). less ↑

Western harvest mice, Reithrodontomys megalotis, are found in southwestern Canada, across much of the United States, and into Mexico (1). They live throughout California in a wide variety of open habitats including grasslands, meadows, marshes, deserts, sand dunes, and shrublands (1)(2). Western harvest mice have large ears, big black eyes, and bicolored tails. Fur color across the top of their bodies and tails varies by the individual and may be gray, brown, yellow-brown, or red-brown, while fur on their bellies and the undersides of their tails are white. On average, adults measure 14 cm (5.5 in) in length (2).

Western harvest mice eat seeds, herbs, fruits, and insects (3)(4). Their nests, constructed from grasses and plant fibers, form a distinct spherical shape (4). Western harvest mice hide their nests in burrows, tall grasses, dense vegetation, or amongst debris (3)(4). Western harvest mice are active year round and are both nocturnal and crepuscular (3). less ↑

Botta’s pocket gophers, Thomomys bottae, are found in the western United States as far north as Oregon with a southern extent stretching into Mexico (1). In California, they are present statewide, excluding areas of high elevation in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges (1)(2). Botta’s pocket gophers spend most of their lives underground and generally inhabit open areas, valleys, deserts, mountain slopes, forests, woodlands, and chaparral (3). They have a short tail, large front teeth, and clawed paws. Their fur tends to match soil color and may be dark brown, red-brown, yellow-brown, or pale gray, occasionally with white patches on the underside (4). Males are typically larger than females, and body length ranges from 15.5 to 39.5 cm (6.1–15.6 in) (5).

Botta’s pocket gophers create complex underground burrows that consist of tunnels and chambers with different purposes; some tunnels go to plant roots while other chambers are used for storage, defecation, or nesting (3). Burrow systems are usually 1–3 m (3.3–9.4 ft) below the surface (5). While Botta’s pocket gophers typically eat the underground parts of plants, such as roots, bulbs, seeds, and tubers, they also forage above ground for plant material (2). When foraging, Botta’s pocket gophers use their cheek pouches to store and carry food (5). less ↑

House mice, Mus musculus, are found on all continents except Antarctica. They are distributed throughout the state of California and typically reside near and inside man-made structures, as well as forest, shrub, and riparian habitats (1). House mice are small rodents characterized by their large ears and long, scaly tails. Their fur ranges between light brown, dark brown, gray, and black, with a lighter underside (2)(3). Body length is between 6.5 and 9.5 cm (2.6–3.7 in) (3).

House mice will eat essentially any edible material, especially food waste, but in the wild they mainly consume seeds, leaves, roots, fruits, and insects (1)(2). Nesting occurs in the walls of human structures, in rocks, or in complex burrows (3). House mice rarely stray far from human habitations, spending colder seasons primarily inside and residing outside in warmer months (1). House mice are usually nocturnal and active year round (1)(3). less ↑

Black rats, Rattus rattus, were introduced to North America from Europe in the 1800s and are now found in tropical and temperate regions worldwide (1)(2). While their distribution in California is not fully understood, they likely occur in most urban areas, including along the coast, in low elevation areas of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and in the state’s interior valleys (2). Black rats have large ears and a furless tail that is often longer than their body (3). Their fur is black, brown, or gray with a lighter belly. Body length ranges from 16 to 22 cm (6.3–8.7 in), while tail length can be 19 cm (7.5 in) or longer.

Black rats are omnivores, known to eat fruits, grains, small vertebrates, fish, invertebrates, and food waste (2). Their nests are built out of sticks and leaves and are located in burrows or high hidden spots (3). While they are known to be territorial, black rats are highly social and sometimes live in colonies (2). As semi-arboreal animals, black rats have a tendency to climb and are often observed in trees, on telephone wires, or in attics (1). Black rats are mainly nocturnal and are active year round (2). less ↑

Merriam’s chipmunks, Neotamias merriami, are found from California to Baja California, Mexico (1). They occur in central and southern California along the coast and in the Sierra Nevada, Transverse, Coast, and Peninsular Ranges (2). Merriam’s chipmunks live in chaparral, oak forest, pine forest, riparian, rocky outcrop, and shrub habitats. Their fur is a dull gray-brown color with alternating gray and brown stripes running from their head down their back (1). On average, their body length is 13.5 cm (5.3 in) and tail length is 11 cm (4.3 in) (3).

Merriam’s chipmunks are omnivores and eat acorns, seeds, insects, and lizards. Food is carried in their cheek pouches and stored in dead logs or tree branches. Merriam’s chipmunks are excellent climbers and utilize specific trails along tree branches and logs when traveling. These communal trails are passed down by previous generations. At night, they find shelter in woodpecker cavities, logs, stumps, or burrows (2)(3). Merriam’s chipmunks are diurnal and active all year (3). less ↑

California ground squirrels, Otospermophilus beecheyi, are found from western Washington to Baja California (1). They inhabit most of California, excluding the southeastern desert region. California ground squirrels live in open habitats such as oak woodland, oak savanna, grassland, chaparral, desert scrub, and riparian areas (2). Their fur is typically a gray-brown color speckled with white, and their necks are often gray (3). California ground squirrels also have a white ring around each eye and a long, bushy tail (4). As one of California’s larger squirrels, their body length ranges between 33.0 and 50.8 cm (13.0–20.1 in), with their tail measuring between 12.7 and 22.9 cm (5.0–9.0 in) (2).

California ground squirrels are omnivores but mostly eat plant material such as leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, nuts, fruits, twigs, and bark. They also occasionally consume invertebrates, eggs, and carrion. California ground squirrels live in colonies in complex underground burrow systems (3). Each individual squirrel has its own separate entrance to the burrow system. As diurnal animals, they can be observed during the day sunning themselves, looking for predators, and communicating with other squirrels using tail movements and alarm calls (2)(4). less ↑