Pocket gophers are one furry species that staff and volunteers found during the park's small mammal inventory effort, which helps biologists understand who lives on Mount Wanda.
NPS
Mammals of Mount Wanda
Quiet morning strolls on Mount Wanda may reward you with sightings of scampering gray foxes and grazing mule deer. As twilight descends, you might spot coyotes, raccoons, and, with a bit of luck, catch a rare glimpse of bobcats or even mountain lions. Here are some of the mammal species you might encounter while exploring the park:
Botta’s Pocket Gopher (Thomomys bottae):
These small mammals spend most of their time in underground tunnels, emerging to forage for leaves, grasses, and plant roots. The entrances to their burrows are often marked by small holes on the ground surface, sometimes surrounded by piles of soil. Named for the cheek pouches or “pockets” they use to carry food, pocket gophers are common along trails and fire roads—so watch your step!
Brush Mouse (Peromyscus boylii):
Found throughout California, brush mice are among the many small mammals monitored by park staff on Mount Wanda. They feed on nuts, seeds (especially acorns), and green vegetation. Brush mice are particularly active during the summer months, darting through grasses and fallen leaves.
Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus):
Named for their large, mule-like ears, mule deer have exceptional hearing and eyesight, which help them detect danger. These deer are very common across the United States and are typically active between dusk and dawn.
Bobcat (Lynx rufus):
Bobcats are highly adaptable cats native to North America, growing up to twice the size of an average housecat. Recognizable by their tufted ears, these carnivores prey on rabbits, birds, mice, and squirrels. Bobcats are fierce hunters capable of pouncing over 10 feet to capture their prey. If you encounter a bobcat, do not approach it—leave the area and inform a ranger of the sighting.
Mountain Lion (Felis concolor):
Also known as cougars or pumas, mountain lions are solitary animals native to North America, most commonly found in the western US and Canada. They are primarily active at twilight and night but can sometimes be seen during the day. Although they resemble housecats, mountain lions can weigh as much as an adult human. Despite their size, they are not classified as “big cats” like lions or tigers because they cannot roar. If you see a mountain lion, do not approach it—leave the area immediately and report the sighting to a ranger.
