MOUNTAIN lION Habitat: Rugged mountains, forests, and wetlands. Characteristics: Nocturnal,
warm-blooded, canivore, vertebrate, mammal. Weights 80-200 lbs. May roam 75-100 miles from birthplace. Food Source: Feeds largely on deer, but also takes rodents and occasionally domestic animals; caches uneaten portions of kills; won't eat tainted meat. Warning: Do not approach, do not feed, observe wildlife from a distance briefly. BLACK BEAR Habitat: Many habitats, mostly mountainous
areas. Dens under trees, rocks, and logs or wherever natural
shelter exists. Semi-hibernates. Look for claw marks (territory
markings) on trees. Characteristics: Nocturnal,
warm-blooded, vertebrate, mammal. Weighs 200-475 lbs. or more.
May run 30 mph. Food Source: Omnivore - Berries,
nuts, tubers, insects, larvae, small mammals, eggs, honey, carrion,
or garbage. Warning: Do not approach, do not feed, observe wildlife from a distance briefly. BOBCAT Habitat: Chaparral and lower yellow pine forests.
Characteristics: Nocturnal, warm-blooded, vertebrate
mammal. Usually elusive to humans. Food Source: Carnivore - Mainly rabbits, small
mammals, and ground birds. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD Habitat: Lives among the cattails and bulrushes
around ponds. Characteristics: Glossy black
male has red shoulder patches with yellow tips. Female has dusky
brown streaks. Food Source: Seeds and insects. LONG-TAILED WEASEL Habitat: Occupies most habitats in the western
mountains. Characteristics: Sleek design makes
it very "fluid" when in motion. Tail is 10" or
more in length. Food Source: Carnivore - Cottontail
rabbits, chipmunks, ground squirrels, gophers, mice, insects,
birds, and their eggs. Eats 40% of its own weight each day. COMMON TREE FROG Habitat: Streams, wetlands, oak woodlands,
and ponds. Characteristics: Variable color
from green to brown. Stripe from the nostrils through the eyes
and to armpit. Toes have sticky pads like suction cups. Back
feet have webbed toes. Food Source: Insectivore. RED-TAILED HAWK Habitat: Woodland areas with open habitat nearby
(grasslands, pastures, marshes, etc.). Characteristics:
Diurnal, warm-blooded vertebrate. Wingsapn - 50" wide.
Uses thermals to soar in circles for long periods of time. Food
Source: Raptor (carnivore) - rodents and snakes. MULE DEER Habitat: Meadows, forests, and chaparral. Characteristics:
Warm-blooded, vertebrate mammal. Fawns born in June or July
(usually 2). Average life span is 16 years. Food Source:
Herbivore - Shrubs and twigs, leaves, small plants, fruit. Look
for browse lines (indicates feeding locations). STELLER'S JAY Habitat: Conifer and mixed woodland forests.
Common in campgrounds. Aggressive; will steal food. Characteristics:
Diurnal - warm-blooded vertebrate. Black head and shoulders
with crest on head; lower back, wings, and tail dark blue. Food
Source: Seeds, fruits, eggs, insects, frogs, snakes,
and may eat other birds. RACCOON Habitat: Forest, riparian. Dens in hollow logs,
trees, or rock crevices. Characteristics: Nocturnal,
warm-blooded, vertebrate mammal. Grey and black bushy tail;
black mask gives protection from glare. Food Source:
Omnivore - Fruits, nuts, grains, insects, frogs, bird eggs,
and small mammals.
