critters

Santa Cruz Mountain habitats host various often less frequently seen animals with elusive and/or nocturnal habits. These include smaller mammals like gophers, squirrels, and bats, as well as coyote, bobcat, and black-tailed mule deer. Rarely seen mountain lions are the sole remaining apex predator. Amphibians include frogs, toads, and at least four species of salamanders observed in coastal areas, with reptiles such as lizards, snakes, and turtles. Invertebrate species total over 300 recorded including an unusual number of rare species.