Animals of the Pinnacles

The Pinnacles National Monument is located in central California's Gabilan Mountain range. The remains of an ancient volcano with large natural rock formations and canyons make up the Pinnacles. It attracts hikers, rock climbers and nature lovers. The Pinnacles is home to numerous species of animals, some of which are endangered.

  1. Mammals

    • According to the U.S. Park Service, Pinnacles National Monument is home to some 49 species of mammal. The area's main predators include the mountain lion, coyote, bobcat, gray fox and the American badger. Other large mammal species include the black-tailed deer and the recently introduced feral pig. There are 15 different species of bat recorded in the area, including the Western Mastiff, red bat and silver haired bat. Other than the skunk and raccoon, the rest of the area's species are mainly small rodents.

    Birds

    • Since its creation in 1908, over 160 species of birds have been recorded in the area. Visitors to the park are likely to find that birds are the most common animals they see. Large species such as the turkey vulture and California condor have been seen in the park. Birds of prey such as the peregrine falcon, American kestrel, and the prairie falcon are also found in the skies around the Pinnacles. Various species of owls, hummingbirds, king fishers and song birds are all also found in the area.

    Amphibians

    • With a low annual rainfall of around 16 inches a year, amphibians might not be expected in the Pinnacles, but eight species do make their homes there. The park is home to four species of salamander, including the Californian tiger, ensatina, Gabilan slender and the arboreal. The Western spadefoot and the western toad are also both found in the area. Californian red-legged frogs and the pacific tree frog make their homes in the Pinnacles, with the yellow-legged frog now extinct in the area.

    Reptiles

    • The Pinnacles are home to 23 reptile species, including the rare Southern Pacific pond turtle. Eight species of lizard can be found in the area, including the western fenced, coast horned, California whiptail and Gilberts skink. The area has 14 snake species, including the venomous Western rattlesnake, which is common in the Pinnacles. Other common snakes include the common garter, gopher and the Californian striped racer. Many of these species might hide out under rocks, and with the park's policy against visitors moving any rocks, they may be tricky to spot.