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February 23, 2006

Año Nuevo State Reserve: Land Critters

Old Irrigation Pond Año Nuevo State Reserve

At one time, the land that now makes up the Año Nuevo State Reserve was home to many California grizzlies. These bears, the only land-based predator of the Northern Elephant Seal other than man, have been extinct since 1922.

Nowadays, there are many land-based critters living in the reserve from reptiles to mountain lions and mule deer.

Mule Deer Año Nuevo State Reserve

Many of the land critters at the reserve are nocturnal, although the park closes at sunset. In the hills above the point, you'll find mountain lions, whereas you'll find bobcat and coyote tracks up and down the dunes. I've walked along the nature trails along the point and had mule deer walk right in front of me.

Pacific Chorus Frog, Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris regilla) Año Nuevo State Reserve

The reserve is also home to quite a few endangered species. Let's start with the endangered reptile species like the San Francisco Garter Snake and the California red-legged frog. There are also endangered birds that migrate and nest in the area.

Snail Año Nuevo State Reserve

And then there are the endangered marine species like the Steller sea lion, the Southern Sea Otter, and the Great White Shark, to name a few.

Posted by sorsha at February 23, 2006 1:41 PM