“You could travel the world, but nothing comes close to the golden coast.”
Katy Perry (California Girls)
While the lyrics to Katy Perry’s hit song are not aimed as a reference to the wildlife in Southern California, it’s as close as you can get to describing the incredible fauna that calls this corner of the west coast home.
With over 500 species of animals in Southern California, there is more than twice the number of species in all of Northern California! The state of California is also home to many different species of birds. In fact, there are more species of birds in California than in any other state in the country. Some of Southern California’s most popular bird-watching spots include the Salton Sea, the San Diego Bay, and the Los Angeles Basin.
Southern California is also home to a wide variety of marine life. The waters off the coast of Southern California are home to many different types of fish, sharks, whales, and other marine animals. The best place to see these animals is at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
Here are some of the incredible species that call Southern California their home:
Bighorn Sheep – The Icon of Southern California Wildlife
The bighorn sheep is one of the most iconic animals of the American West. These magnificent creatures can be found in the mountains of Southern California, where they use their powerful horns to climb steep slopes in search of food. Bighorn sheep are also excellent swimmers, and have been known to cross rivers as deep as 10 feet!
Mule Deer – The Beloved Grazing Animals of Southern California
The mule deer is a common sight in the mountains and deserts of Southern California. These shy animals are easily recognizable by their large ears and black-tipped tails. Mule deer are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of grasses and shrubs.
American Bison – The Rarest of Southern California Wildlife
The American bison is one of the largest land mammals in North America. These massive creatures once roamed across the entire continent, but today they can only be found in a few areas, including Yellowstone National Park and the Great Plains.
Although they are not native to California, a small herd of bison was introduced to the state in the early 1900s, and today Santa Catalina Island and Camp Pendleton are the only areas where these majestic beasts can be found in all of California.
Mountain Lion – The King of Wildlife in Southern California
The mountain lion is a large predator and a part of the big cats family. It is found in much of both North and South America. In Southern California, mountain lions typically live in forested areas away from humans. These shy animals are seldom seen by people, but they play an important role in the ecosystem by keeping populations of deer and other prey animals in check.
California Condor – Scavengers of the California Deserts
The California condor is one of the largest birds in North America. These rare birds once ranged across the entire continent, but today they can only be found in a few areas, including the mountains of Southern California. California condors are scavengers, and they often feast on the carcasses of animals that have been killed by other predators.
Desert Tortoise – The Thriving Reptiles of Southern California Desert
The desert tortoise is a reptile that is well-adapted to life in arid environments. They can be found in deserts throughout the southwestern United States, including Southern California. Desert tortoises are long-lived animals, and can live for over 50 years in the wild!
Eared Grebe – The Small Waterbirds of Southern California Wildlife
The eared grebe is a type of waterbird that is found in wetlands throughout the western hemisphere. In North America, these birds breed at lakes and rivers in the western United States, including the Salton Sea in Southern California. Eared grebes are easily recognizable by their black and white plumage, and their long, thin necks.
Black-necked Stilt – The Elegant Wader of South California Marshes
The black-necked stilt is a type of wading bird that is found in marshes and wetlands throughout North America. In Southern California, these birds can be found in the Salton Sea, which is one of the largest inland bodies of water in the world. Black-necked stilts are easily recognizable by their long legs and bills, and their black and white plumage.
American White Pelican – The Majestic Bird in White
The American white pelican is a large bird that is found in wetlands throughout North America. In Southern California, these birds can be found in and around the Salton Sea, which is one of the largest inland bodies of water in the world. American white pelicans are easily recognizable by their white plumage and enormous bills.
Blue Whale – Gentle Giant of South California
The Blue Whale is the largest animal known to have ever existed and can grow over 29 metres in length and weigh a whopping 199 tons! These gentle giants are listed as endangered and their largest population is found in the North-eastern Pacific region, making Southern California the best place to see blue whales in the world!
California Sea Lion – California’s Very Own Sea Lion
The Californian sea lion is a marine mammal that is found along the coast of the western United States. In Southern California, these animals can be seen at popular tourist destinations such as Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier. Californian sea lions are easily recognizable by their brown or tan fur, and their long bodies and flippers.
Southern California is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife! From bighorn sheep to desert tortoises and even blue whales, wildlife of all sizes is waiting to be discovered.
So get out there and explore! Who knows what you might find?
FAQ’s you might be interested in
Wildlife in Los Angeles and surrounding areas mostly consists of skunks, raccoons, opossums, coyotes and snakes. However, black bears in Los Angeles are becoming a common sight as their natural habitat shrinks and they venture into urban areas.
Wildlife in Southern California can be best observed along the coastline. Creatures like the blue whale, gray whale, sea otter, harbour seals, California sea lion and elephant seals are often spotted on or along the coast. You can also spot a variety of bird species and predatory mammals like the mountain lion and black bears in the regions around the coast.
Some animals found only in California include the California garter snake, California newt, golden trout, ridgway’s rail and valley elderberry longhorn beetle. Some of these species are threatened by habitat loss and climate change.
