List of mammals in California
Encyclopedia
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, including both current and recently historical inhabitants. Their taxonomy has been updated to agree with the latest edition of Mammal Species of the World
Mammal Species of the World
Mammal Species of the World, now in its 3rd edition, is a standard reference work in zoology giving descriptions and bibliographic data for the known species of mammals.An updated Third Edition of Mammal Species of the World was published late in 2005:...
.
The California Department of Fish and Game
California Department of Fish and Game
The California Department of Fish and Game is a department within the government of California, falling under its parent California Natural Resources Agency. The Department of Fish and Game manages and protects the state's diverse fish, wildlife, plant resources, and native habitats...
monitors certain species and subspecies of special concern. These are mammals whose populations may be locally threatened, but which are excluded from federal and international conservation lists. Taxa of special concern in California are noted below, as are endemic, introduced
Introduced species
An introduced species — or neozoon, alien, exotic, non-indigenous, or non-native species, or simply an introduction, is a species living outside its indigenous or native distributional range, and has arrived in an ecosystem or plant community by human activity, either deliberate or accidental...
, harvest
Hunting
Hunting is the practice of pursuing any living thing, usually wildlife, for food, recreation, or trade. In present-day use, the term refers to lawful hunting, as distinguished from poaching, which is the killing, trapping or capture of the hunted species contrary to applicable law...
, and vagrant
Vagrancy (biology)
Vagrancy is a phenomenon in biology whereby individual animals appear well outside their normal range; individual animals which exhibit vagrancy are known as vagrants. The term accidental is sometimes also used...
species.
Total Number of species listed: 223, including 181 terrestrial and 40 marine mammals.
Opposums
Order: DidelphimorphiaDidelphimorphia
Opossums make up the largest order of marsupials in the Western Hemisphere, including 103 or more species in 19 genera. They are also commonly called possums, though that term technically refers to Australian fauna of the suborder Phalangeriformes. The Virginia opossum was the first animal to be...
Family: Didelphidae
One species of opossum occurs in California
.
- Virginia OpossumVirginia OpossumThe Virginia opossum , commonly known as the North American opossum or tlacuache in Mexico, is the only marsupial found in North America north of Mexico. A solitary and nocturnal animal about the size of a domestic cat, and thus the largest opossum, it is a successful opportunist...
, Didelphis virginiana (introduced, harvest)
Shrews and Moles
Soricomorpha
The order Soricomorpha is taxon within the class of mammals. In previous years it formed a significant group within the former order Insectivora...
Family: Soricidae
13 species of shrew
Shrew
A shrew or shrew mouse is a small molelike mammal classified in the order Soricomorpha. True shrews are also not to be confused with West Indies shrews, treeshrews, otter shrews, or elephant shrews, which belong to different families or orders.Although its external appearance is generally that of...
s occur in California.
- Marsh ShrewMarsh ShrewThe Marsh Shrew , also known as the Pacific Water Shrew, is a large North American shrew found near aquatic habitats, the largest member of genus Sorex in North America...
, Sorex bendirii - Mt. Lyell ShrewMount Lyell ShrewThe Mount Lyell Shrew is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is endemic to a small area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California in the United States....
, Sorex lyelli (CDFG special concern; endemic) - Merriam's ShrewMerriam's ShrewMerriam's Shrew is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is endemic to the western United States and southern British Columbia in Canada....
, Sorex merriami - Dusky (or Montane) ShrewMontane ShrewThe Montane Shrew is a species of mammal in the Soricidae family. It is found in Alaska, western Canada, the western United States and Mexico....
, Sorex monticolus - Pacific ShrewPacific ShrewThe Pacific Shrew is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is endemic to western Oregon in the United States....
, Sorex pacificus - Ornate ShrewOrnate ShrewThe Ornate Shrew, Sorex ornatus, is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is endemic to Baja California in Mexico and California in the United States. The Tule Shrew is a likely extinct subspecies; it is only known by four specimens collected in 1905. Other subspecies include the "Suisun...
, Sorex ornatus- Southern California Salt-marsh Shrew, S. ornatus salicornicus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Buena Vista Lake Shrew, S. ornatus relictus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Monterey Shrew, S. ornatus salarius (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Suisun Shrew, S. ornatus sinuosus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Santa Catalina Shrew, S. ornatus willetti (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Water ShrewAmerican Water ShrewThe American Water Shrew or Northern Water Shrew, is a large North American shrew found in aquatic habitats. Some sources include the Glacier Bay Water Shrew, S. alaskanus, within this species....
, Sorex palustris - Preble's ShrewPreble's ShrewPreble's Shrew is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is endemic to southern British Columbia in Canada and the western United States....
, Sorex preblei - Fog ShrewFog ShrewThe Fog Shrew is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is endemic to the northern California and Oregon in the United States....
, Sorex sonomae - Inyo ShrewInyo ShrewThe Inyo Shrew is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is endemic to California and Nevada in the United States....
, Sorex tenellus - Trowbridge's ShrewTrowbridge's ShrewTrowbridge's Shrew is a species of mammal in the Soricidae family. It is found in southern British Columbia in Canada and in Washington, Oregon, and California in the United States....
, Sorex trowbridgii - Vagrant ShrewVagrant ShrewThe Vagrant Shrew is a medium-sized North American shrew. At one time, the Montane Shrew was considered to belong to the same species as this animal....
, Sorex vagrans- Salt-marsh Wandering Shrew, S. vagrans halicoetes (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Desert (or Crawford's Gray) Shrew, Notiosorex crawfordi
Order: Soricomorpha
Soricomorpha
The order Soricomorpha is taxon within the class of mammals. In previous years it formed a significant group within the former order Insectivora...
Family: Talpidae
Talpidae
The family Talpidae includes the moles, shrew moles, desmans, and other intermediate forms of small insectivorous mammals of the order Soricomorpha...
4 species of mole
Mole (animal)
Moles are small cylindrical mammals adapted to a subterranean lifestyle. They have velvety fur; tiny or invisible ears and eyes; and short, powerful limbs with large paws oriented for digging. The term is especially and most properly used for the true moles, those of the Talpidae family in the...
s occur in California.
- Shrew-mole, Neurotrichus gibbsii
- Broad-footed MoleBroad-footed MoleThe Broad-footed Mole is a species of mammal in the family Talpidae. It is found in Baja California in Mexico and in California, Nevada and Oregon in the United States at elevations up to 3000 m. Its karyotype has 2n = 34, FN = 64....
, Scapanus latimanus- Alameda Island Mole, S. latimanus parvus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Coast MoleCoast MoleThe Coast Mole or Pacific Mole is a medium-sized North American mole.It is found in forested and open areas with moist soils along the Pacific coast from southwestern British Columbia to central California....
, Scapanus orarius - Townsend's MoleTownsend's MoleThe Townsend's Mole, Scapanus townsendii, is the largest North American mole.It is found in open lowland areas and open wooded areas with moist soils along the Pacific coast from southwestern British Columbia to northwestern California...
, Scapanus townsendii
Bats
Family: Phyllostomidae
4 species of leaf-nosed bat
Leaf-nosed bat
The New World leaf-nosed bats are found throughout Central and South America, from Mexico to northern Argentina. They are ecologically the most varied and diverse family within the order Chiroptera...
s occur in California.
- Mexican Long-tongued BatMexican Long-tongued BatThe Mexican Long-tongued Bat is a species of bat in the family Phyllostomidae. It is monotypic within the genus Choeronycteris. The species is found in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and the United States.Mexican long-tongued bats feed on nectar and pollen from agaves and other plants...
, Choeronycteris mexicana (CDFG special concern) - Southern Long-nosed BatSouthern Long-nosed BatThe Southern Long-nosed Bat is a species of bat in the family Phyllostomidae. It is found in Aruba, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Netherlands Antilles. Its roosts in caves and mines, but only breeds in specific caves on islands....
, Leptonycteris curasoae - Lesser Long-nosed BatLesser Long-nosed BatThe Lesser Long-nosed Bat is a medium-sized bat found in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and the United States...
, Leptonycteris yerbabuenae - California Leaf-nosed BatCalifornia Leaf-nosed BatThe California Leaf-nosed Bat is a species of bat in the family Phyllostomidae. It is found in Mexico and the United States. Its natural habitat is hot deserts...
, Macrotus californicus (CDFG special concern)
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Vespertilionidae
19 species of vesper bat
Vesper bat
Vesper bats , also known as Evening bats or Common bats, are the largest and best-known family of bats. They belong to the suborder Microchiroptera . There are over three hundred species distributed all over the world, on every continent except Antarctica...
s occur in California.
- Pallid BatPallid batThe Pallid Bat is a species of bat that ranges from western Canada to central Mexico. It is the sole species of its genus and is closely related to Van Gelder's Bat , which is sometimes included in Antrozous...
, Antrozous pallidus (CDFG special concern) - Silver-haired BatSilver-Haired BatThe Silver-haired Bat is a species of vesper bat in the family Vespertilionidae and the only member of the genus Lasionycteris.- Habitat :...
, Lasionycteris noctivagans - California MyotisCalifornia MyotisThe California Myotis is a species of vesper bat in the Vespertilionidae family.It is found in British Columbia in Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, and in the western United States, including California....
, Myotis californicus - Western Small-footed MyotisWestern Small-footed MyotisThe Western Small-Footed Bat , also known as the Western Small-Footed Myotis, is a species of vesper bat in the Vespertilionidae family.It can be found in Canada, Mexico, and the United States....
, Myotis ciliolabrus - Long-eared MyotisLong-eared MyotisThe Long-eared Myotis is a species of vesper bat. It can be found in western Canada, the western United States, and Baja California in Mexico....
, Myotis evotis - Little Brown MyotisLittle brown batThe little brown bat is a species of the genus Myotis , one of the most common bats of North America...
, Myotis lucifugus - Arizona Myotis, Myotis occultus (CDFG special concern)
- Fringed MyotisFringed MyotisThe Fringed Myotis is a species of vesper bat in the Vespertilionidae family.It is found in British Columbia in Canada, Mexico, and the western United States....
, Myotis thysanodes - Cave MyotisCave MyotisThe Cave Myotis is a species of vesper bat in the Vespertilionidae family.It is found in Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and in the southwest United States....
, Myotis velifer (CDFG special concern) - Long-legged MyotisLong-legged MyotisThe Long-Legged Myotis is a species of vesper bat in the Vespertilionidae family.It can be found in Alberta and British Columbia in Canada, Mexico, and the western United States....
, Myotis volans - Yuma MyotisYuma MyotisThe Yuma Myotis is a species of vesper bat in the Vespertilionidae family. Yuma Myotis occur in a variety of western lowland habitats where it forages for insects just above the surface of slow moving water. It eats a variety of soft-bodied insects, primarily moths. It is found in British Columbia...
, Myotis yumanensis - Townsend's Big-eared BatTownsend's big-eared batTownsend's Big-Eared Bat is a species of vesper bat in the Vespertilionidae family.- Description :The Townsend's Big-Eared Bat is a medium-sized bat with extremely long, flexible ears and small yet noticeable lumps on each side of the snout. Its upperparts are similar to dark brown on the back,...
, Corynorhinus townsendii (formerly Plecotus townsendii; CDFG special concern)- Pale Big-eared Bat - C. townsendii pallescens (CDFG special concern)
- Big Brown BatBig brown batThe Big Brown Bat is larger in size than comparative species of bats, from about 4 to 5 inches in body length, with a 11-13 inch wingspan and weighing 1/2 to 5/8 ounce. The fur is moderately long, and shiny brown...
, Eptesicus fuscus - Spotted BatSpotted batThe Spotted bat , is a bat species from the family of vesper bats.-Description:The spotted bat was first described by zoologist Joel Asaph Allen from the American Museum of Natural History in 1891. It can reach a length of 12 cm and a wingspan of 35 cm. The weight is about 15 g. It has...
, Euderma maculatum (CDFG special concern) - Allen's Big-eared BatAllen's Big-eared BatAllen's Big-Eared Bat is a species of vesper bat in the Vespertilionidae family.It occurs in Mexico and in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah in the United States....
, Idionycteris phyllotis - Western Red BatDesert red batThe desert red bat, also known as the Western Red Bat, is one of many species of bats. This particular one is from the Vespertilionidae family which is the largest family. It includes 35 genera and 318 species...
, Lasiurus blossevillii - Hoary BatHoary batThe hoary bat is a species of bat in the vesper bat family, Vespertilionidae. It occurs throughout most of North America and much of South America, with disjunct populations in the Galapagos and Hawaiian Islands...
, Lasiurus cinereus - Western Yellow BatWestern Yellow BatThe Western Yellow Bat is a species of bat in the vesper bat family, Vespertilionidae.It is found in Mexico and the southwestern United States. This species roosts in trees such as Populus fremontii, Platanus wrightii, and Quercus arizonica...
, Lasiurus xanthinus - Western PipistrelleWestern PipistrelleThe canyon bat , also known as the Western Pipistrelle, is a species of vesper bat in the Vespertilionidae family. It is found in Mexico and in the western United States...
, Pipistrellus hesperus
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Molossidae
4 species of free-tailed bat
Free-tailed bat
Molossidae, or free-tailed bats, are a family of bats within the order Chiroptera. They are generally quite robust, and consist of many strong flying forms with relatively long and narrow wings. Another common name for some members of this group, and indeed a few species from other families, is...
s occur in California.
- Western Mastiff BatWestern mastiff batThe western mastiff bat , also known as the western bonneted bat, the greater mastiff bat, or the greater bonneted bat, is a member of the free-tailed bat family, Molossidae. It is found in the Western United States, Mexico and South America, and is the largest bat native to North America...
, Eumops perotis- California Mastiff Bat, E. perotis californicus (CDFG special concern)
- Pocketed Free-tailed BatPocketed Free-tailed BatThe Pocketed Free-tailed Bat is a species of bat in the family Molossidae. It is found in Mexico and in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas in the United States....
, Nyctinomops femorosaccus (CDFG special concern) - Big Free-tailed BatBig Free-tailed BatThe Big Free-tailed Bat is a bat species found in South, North and Central America. They have a wingspan of 435 mm and an average length of 140 mm. This bat frequents rocky or canyon country where it roosts in crevices. This migratory species is a swift, powerful flier, and occasional individuals...
, Nyctinomops macrotis (CDFG special concern) - Brazilian (or Mexican) Free-tailed BatMexican Free-tailed BatThe Mexican free-tailed bat , also known as the Brazilian free-tailed bat, is a medium-sized bat that is native to the Americas and is widely regarded as one of the most abundant mammals in North America...
, Tadarida brasiliensis
Rabbits, hares and pikas
Order: LagomorphaLagomorpha
The lagomorphs are the members of the taxonomic order Lagomorpha, of which there are two living families, the Leporidae , and the Ochotonidae...
Family: Ochotonidae
One species of pika
Pika
The pika is a small mammal, with short limbs, rounded ears, and short tail. The name pika is used for any member of the Ochotonidae, a family within the order of lagomorphs, which also includes the Leporidae . One genus, Ochotona, is recognised within the family, and it includes 30 species...
occurs in California.
- American PikaAmerican PikaThe American pika , a diurnal species of pika, is found in the mountains of western North America, usually in boulder fields at or above the tree line. They are herbivorous, smaller relatives of rabbits and hares.-Description:...
, Ochotona princeps
Lagomorpha
The lagomorphs are the members of the taxonomic order Lagomorpha, of which there are two living families, the Leporidae , and the Ochotonidae...
Family: Leporidae
Leporidae
Leporids are the approximately 50 species of rabbits and hares which form the family Leporidae. The leporids, together with the pikas, constitute the mammalian order Lagomorpha. Leporids differ from pikas in having short furry tails, and elongated ears and hind legs...
8 species of rabbit
Rabbit
Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha, found in several parts of the world...
s and hare
Hare
Hares and jackrabbits are leporids belonging to the genus Lepus. Hares less than one year old are called leverets. Four species commonly known as types of hare are classified outside of Lepus: the hispid hare , and three species known as red rock hares .Hares are very fast-moving...
s occur in California.
- Pygmy RabbitPygmy RabbitThe Pygmy Rabbit is a North American rabbit, and is one of only two rabbit species in America to dig its own burrow...
, Brachylagus idahoensis (CDFG special concern, harvest) - Snowshoe HareSnowshoe HareThe Snowshoe Hare , also called the Varying Hare, or Snowshoe Rabbit, is a species of hare found in North America. It has the name "snowshoe" because of the large size of its hind feet and the marks its tail leaves. The animal's feet prevent it from sinking into the snow when it hops and walks...
, Lepus americanus (harvest)- Oregon Snowshoe Hare, L. americanus klamathensis (CDFG special concern)
- Sierra Nevada Snowshoe Hare, L. americanus tahoensis (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Black-tailed JackrabbitBlack-tailed JackrabbitThe black-tailed jackrabbit , also known as the american desert hare, is a common hare of the western United States and Mexico, where it is found at elevations from sea level to up to...
, Lepus californicus (harvest)- San Diego Black-tailed Jackrabbit, L. californicus bennettii (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- White-tailed JackrabbitWhite-tailed JackrabbitThe White-tailed Jackrabbit , also known as the Prairie Hare and the White Jack, is a hare found in western North America. Briefly reputed to have been extirpated , it is now clear from observations, roadkilled specimens and historical records that white-tailed jackrabbits are still extant in...
, Lepus townsendii (CDFG special concern, harvest) - European RabbitEuropean RabbitThe European Rabbit or Common Rabbit is a species of rabbit native to south west Europe and north west Africa . It has been widely introduced elsewhere often with devastating effects on local biodiversity...
, Oryctolagus cuniculus (introduced) - Desert CottontailDesert CottontailThe Desert Cottontail , also known as Audubon's Cottontail, is a New World cottontail rabbit, a member of the family Leporidae....
, Sylvilagus audubonii (harvest) - Brush RabbitBrush RabbitThe Brush Rabbit , or Western Brush Rabbit, is a species of cottontail rabbit found in western coastal regions of North America, from the Columbia River in Oregon to the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula...
, Sylvilagus bachmani (harvest, except for endangered Riparian subspecies)- Riparian Brush Rabbit, S. bachmani riparius (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Mountain CottontailMountain CottontailThe Mountain Cottontail or Nuttall's Cottontail is a species of mammal in the Leporidae family. It is found in Canada and the United States.- Description :...
, Sylvilagus nuttallii (harvest)
Rodents
Order: RodentRodent
Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing....
ia
Family: Aplodontiidae
One species of mountain beaver
Mountain Beaver
The Mountain Beaver is the most primitive extant rodent. Not to be confused with the North American beaver Castor canadensis, or its relative the Eurasian beaver, Castor fiber, it has several common names including Aplodontia, Boomer, Ground Bear, and Giant Mole...
occurs in California.
- Mountain BeaverMountain BeaverThe Mountain Beaver is the most primitive extant rodent. Not to be confused with the North American beaver Castor canadensis, or its relative the Eurasian beaver, Castor fiber, it has several common names including Aplodontia, Boomer, Ground Bear, and Giant Mole...
, Aplodontia rufa- Sierra Nevada Mountain Beaver, A. rufa californica (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Point Arena Mountain Beaver, A. rufa nigra (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Point Reyes Mountain Beaver, A. rufa phaea (CDFG special concern; endemic)
Rodent
Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing....
ia
Family: Sciuridae
29 species of squirrel
Squirrel
Squirrels belong to a large family of small or medium-sized rodents called the Sciuridae. The family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots , flying squirrels, and prairie dogs. Squirrels are indigenous to the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa and have been introduced to Australia...
s, chipmunk
Chipmunk
Chipmunks are small striped squirrels native to North America and Asia. They are usually classed either as a single genus with three subgenera, or as three genera.-Etymology and taxonomy:...
s, and marmot
Marmot
The marmots are a genus, Marmota, of squirrels. There are 14 species in this genus.Marmots are generally large ground squirrels. Those most often referred to as marmots tend to live in mountainous areas such as the Alps, northern Apennines, Eurasian steppes, Carpathians, Tatras, and Pyrenees in...
s occur in California.
Subfamily Sciurinae
Sciurinae
The Sciurinae is a subfamily of squirrels in the . It unites the flying squirrels with certain related tree squirrels. Older sources place the flying squirrels in a separate subfamily and unite all remaining sciurids into the subfamily Sciurinae, but this has been strongly refuted by genetic...
(tree squirrels and flying squirrels)
- Northern Flying SquirrelNorthern Flying SquirrelThe Northern flying squirrel is one of two species of the genus Glaucomys, the only flying squirrels found in North America . Unlike most members of their family, flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal...
, Glaucomys sabrinus- San Bernardino Flying Squirrel, G. sabrinus californicus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Eastern Gray SquirrelEastern Gray SquirrelThe eastern gray squirrel is a tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus native to the eastern and midwestern United States, and to the southerly portions of the eastern provinces of Canada...
, Sciurus carolinensis (introduced, harvest) - Western Gray SquirrelWestern Gray SquirrelThe Western Gray Squirrel is an arboreal rodent found along the western coast of the United States and Canada.In some places, this species has also been known as the Silver-gray Squirrel, the California Gray Squirrel, the Oregon Gray Squirrel, the Columbian Gray Squirrel and the Banner-tail...
, Sciurus griseus (harvest) - Eastern Fox SquirrelFox SquirrelThe fox squirrel is the largest species of tree squirrel native to North America...
, Sciurus niger (introduced, harvest) - Douglas' SquirrelDouglas SquirrelThe Douglas Squirrel is a pine squirrel found in the Pacific coastal states and provinces of North America. It is sometimes known as the Chickaree or Pine Squirrel, but since Chickaree is also used for the American Red Squirrel and Pine Squirrel for the genus Tamiasciurus, these alternative names...
, Tamiasciurus douglasii (harvest)
Subfamily Xerinae
Xerinae
Xerinae is a subfamily of squirrels, many of which are highly terrestrial. It includes the tribes Marmotini , Xerini , and Protoxerini .-References:* Thorington, R. W. and R. S. Hoffmann. 2005. Family Sciuridae. Pp 754-818 in Wilson, E. D...
(chipmunks and ground squirrels)
- White-tailed Antelope Ground SquirrelWhite-tailed Antelope SquirrelThe white-tailed antelope squirrel is a diurnal species of ground squirrel found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico...
, Ammospermophilus leucurus - Nelson's Antelope Ground SquirrelSan Joaquin Antelope SquirrelThe San Joaquin antelope squirrel or Nelson's antelope squirrel.Ammospermophilus nelsoni, is a species of antelope squirrel, in the San Joaquin Valley of the U.S. state of California.-Distribution and habitat:...
, Ammospermophilus nelsoni (Endemic) - Yellow-bellied MarmotYellow-bellied MarmotThe yellow-bellied marmot , also known as the rock chuck, is a ground squirrel in the marmot genus.-Description:...
, Marmota flaviventris - California Ground SquirrelCalifornia Ground SquirrelThe California ground squirrel , is a common and easily observed ground squirrel of the western United States and the Baja California peninsula; it is common in Oregon and California and its range has relatively recently extended into Washington and northwestern Nevada...
, Spermophilus beecheyi - Belding's Ground SquirrelBelding's Ground SquirrelBelding's ground squirrel , also called pot gut, sage rat or picket-pin, is a squirrel that lives on mountains in the western United States. In California, it often is found at 6,500–11,800 feet in meadows between Lake Tahoe and Kings Canyon...
, Spermophilus beldingi - Golden-mantled Ground SquirrelGolden-mantled Ground SquirrelThe golden-mantled ground squirrel, Callospermophilus lateralis, is a type of ground squirrel found in mountainous areas of western North America. It eats seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and underground fungi. It is preyed upon by hawks, jays, weasels, foxes, bobcats, and coyotes. A typical adult...
, Spermophilus lateralis - Mohave Ground SquirrelMohave Ground SquirrelThe Mohave ground squirrel is a species of ground squirrel found only in the Mojave Desert in California. The squirrel was discovered in 1886 by Frank Stephens of San Diego The Mohave ground squirrel (Xerospermophilus mohavensis) is a species of ground squirrel found only in the Mojave Desert in...
, Spermophilus mohavensis (Endemic) - Round-tailed Ground SquirrelRound-tailed Ground SquirrelThe round-tailed ground squirrel , known as "Ardillón cola redonda" in Spanish, live in the desert of the Southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. They are called "ground squirrels" because they burrow in loose soil, often under mesquite trees and creosote bushes.-Characteristics:Most...
, Spermophilus tereticaudus- Palm Springs Round-tailed Ground Squirrel, S. tereticaudus chlorus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Townsend's Ground SquirrelTownsend's Ground SquirrelThe Townsend's ground squirrel is a species of rodent in the Sciuridae family. It is found in high desert shrublands in several areas of the United States.-Distribution:...
, Spermophilus townsendii - Rock SquirrelRock SquirrelThe rock squirrel is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. It is found in Mexico and the United States. It is 43–53 cm long.-External links:**...
, Spermophilus variegatus - Alpine ChipmunkAlpine ChipmunkThe alpine chipmunk is a species of chipmunk native to the high elevations of the Sierra Nevada of California. They have been observed at altitudes from around 2,300 meters to 3,900 meters , though they rarely occur below 2,500 meters .- Description :They have a...
, Tamias alpinus (endemic) - Yellow-pine ChipmunkYellow-pine ChipmunkThe yellow-pine chipmunk is a species of rodent in the Sciuridae family. It is found in Canada and the United States....
, Tamias amoenus - Merriam's ChipmunkMerriam's ChipmunkMerriam's chipmunk is a species of rodent in the Sciuridae family. It is found in central and southern California. in the United States and a small area in northern Baja California, Mexico....
, Tamias merriami - Least ChipmunkLeast ChipmunkThe least chipmunk is the smallest chipmunk in North America. It is also the most widespread species of chipmunk in North America occurring across north-central and western United States and from British Columbia and southern Yukon to western Quebec in Canada...
, Tamias minimus - California ChipmunkCalifornia ChipmunkThe California chipmunk is a species of rodent in the squirrel family Sciuridae. It is found in Baja California, Mexico and in southern California in the United States....
, Tamias obscurus - Yellow-cheeked ChipmunkYellow-cheeked ChipmunkThe yellow-cheeked chipmunk is a species of rodent in the squirrel family Sciuridae. It is endemic to the areas near the coast of northern California in the United States....
, Tamias ochrogenys (endemic) - Panamint ChipmunkPanamint ChipmunkThe Panamint chipmunk is a species of rodent in the squirrel family Sciuridae. It is endemic to desert mountain areas of southeast California and southwest Nevada in the United States....
, Tamias panamintinus - Long-eared ChipmunkLong-eared ChipmunkThe long-eared chipmunk , also called the Sacramento chipmunk or the four-banded chipmunk, is a species of rodent in the squirrel family Sciuridae. It is endemic to the central and northern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and Nevada in the United States...
, Tamias quadrimaculatus - Allen's ChipmunkAllen's ChipmunkAllen's chipmunk is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. It is endemic to the United States. The main populations are found in California, specifically the humid forests of the mountainous areas of Northern California including the Northern Coastal Range of California, the Trinity Alps,...
, Tamias senex - Siskiyou ChipmunkSiskiyou ChipmunkThe Siskiyou chipmunk is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. It is endemic to northern California and central Oregon in the United States....
, Tamias siskiyou - Sonoma ChipmunkSonoma ChipmunkThe Sonoma chipmunk is a species of rodent in the squirrel family Sciuridae. It is endemic to northwestern California in the United States....
, Tamias sonomae (endemic) - Lodgepole ChipmunkLodgepole ChipmunkThe Lodgepole chipmunk is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. It is found in the U.S. state of California at elevations from .-External links:*...
, Tamias speciosus - Uinta ChipmunkUinta ChipmunkThe Uinta chipmunk, Neotamias umbrinus, is a species of Chipmunk, a rodent in the family Sciuridae. It is endemic to the United States.-Habitat:...
, Tamias umbrinus
Order: Rodent
Rodent
Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing....
ia
Family: Castoridae
Castoridae
The family Castoridae contains the two living species of beaver and their fossil relatives. This was once a highly diverse group of rodents, but is now restricted to a single genus, Castor.- Characteristics :...
One species of beaver
Beaver
The beaver is a primarily nocturnal, large, semi-aquatic rodent. Castor includes two extant species, North American Beaver and Eurasian Beaver . Beavers are known for building dams, canals, and lodges . They are the second-largest rodent in the world...
occurs in California.
- American Beaver, Castor canadensis (introduced, harvest)
Order: Rodent
Rodent
Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing....
ia
Family: Geomyidae
5 species of pocket gopher
Pocket gopher
The pocket gophers are burrowing rodents of the family Geomyidae. These are the "true" gophers, though several ground squirrels of the family Sciuridae are often called gophers as well...
s occur in California.
- Botta's Pocket GopherBotta's pocket gopherBotta's pocket gopher is a pocket gopher native to western North America, from California east to Texas and from southern Utah and Colorado south to Mexico...
, Thomomys bottae - Western Pocket GopherMazama Pocket GopherThe Mazama Pocket Gopher, Thomomys mazama, is a smooth-toothed pocket gopher restricted to the Pacific Northwest. The species ranges from coastal Washington, through Oregon, and into north-central California.-Subspecies:...
, Thomomys mazama - Mountain Pocket GopherMountain Pocket GopherThe Mountain Pocket Gopher is a species of rodent in the family Geomyidae. It is endemic to California and Nevada in the United States....
, Thomomys monticola - Northern Pocket GopherNorthern Pocket GopherThe Northern Pocket Gopher, Thomomys talpoides, was first discovered by Lewis and Clark on April 9, 1805 at the mouth of the Knife River, North Dakota. These animals are often rich brown or yellowish brown, but also grayish or closely approaching local soil color and have white markings under chin...
, Thomomys talpoides - Townsend's Pocket GopherTownsend's Pocket GopherTownsend's Pocket Gopher is a species of rodent in the family Geomyidae. It is endemic to the United States....
, Thomomys townsendii
Rodent
Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing....
ia
Family: Heteromyidae
Heteromyidae
The family of rodents that include kangaroo rats, kangaroo mice and rock pocket mice is the Heteromyidae family. Most heteromyids live in complex burrows within the deserts and grasslands of western North America, though species within the Heteromys and Liomys genera are also found in forests and...
26 species of pocket mice
Perognathus
Perognathus is a genus of pocket mouse. Like other members of their family they are more closely related to pocket gophers than to true mice.-Characteristics:...
and kangaroo rat
Kangaroo rat
Kangaroo rats, genus Dipodomys, are small rodents native to North America. The common name derives from their bipedal form: as they hop in a manner similar to the much larger kangaroo, although they are not related...
s occur in California.
Subfamily Dipodomyinae
Dipodomyinae
The subfamily Dipodomyinae contains two genera:*Subfamily Dipodomyinae**Genus Dipodomys — kangaroo rats***Agile Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys agilis***California Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys californicus...
(kangaroo rats and mice)
- Pacific (or Agile) Kangaroo RatAgile Kangaroo RatThe Agile Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys agilis, is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae. It is found in Baja California, Mexico and southern California in the United States....
, Dipodomys agilis (endemic) - California Kangaroo RatCalifornia Kangaroo RatThe California Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys californicus. is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae.It is endemic to the United States.-References:* Rodent Specialist Group 1996. . Downloaded on 29 July 2007....
, Dipodomys californicus- Marysville California Kangaroo Rat, D. californicus eximus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Desert Kangaroo RatDesert Kangaroo RatThe Desert Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys deserti, is a rodent species in the family Heteromyidae that is found in desert areas of southwestern North America...
, Dipodomys deserti - Big-eared Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys elephantinus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Heermann's Kangaroo RatHeermann's Kangaroo RatHeermann's Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys heermanni, is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae.Dipodomys heermanni is endemic to California in the United States.-References:...
, Dipodomys heermanni (endemic) - Giant Kangaroo RatGiant Kangaroo RatThe Giant Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys ingens, is an endangered rodent species endemic to California.-Description:Dipodomys ingens, the Giant Kangaroo Rat, is one of over 20 species of kangaroo rats, which are small members of the rodent family...
, Dipodomys ingens (endemic) - Merriam's Kangaroo RatMerriam's Kangaroo RatMerriam's Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys merriami, is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae. The species name commemorates Clinton Hart Merriam.-Range:...
, Dipodomys merriami- San Bernardino Merriam's Kangaroo Rat, D. merriami parvus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Chisel-toothed Kangaroo RatChisel-toothed Kangaroo RatThe Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae.It is endemic to the United StatesThe Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys microps) is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae.It is endemic to the United StatesThe Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys...
, Dipodomys microps] - Fresno Kangaroo RatFresno Kangaroo RatThe Fresno Kangaroo Rat or San Joaquin Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys nitratoides, is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae. It is endemic to areas near the San Joaquin Valley of California in the United States. Habitat loss due to agricultural development and urbanization has put this species at...
, Dipodomys nitratoides (endemic)- Short-nosed Kangaroo Rat, D. nitratoides brevinasus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Tipton kangaroo ratTipton kangaroo ratThe Tipton kangaroo rat , is a subspecies of the San Joaquin kangaroo rat, a rodent in the family Heteromyidae.-Description:...
, D. nitratoides nitratoides (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Ord's Kangaroo RatOrd's Kangaroo RatOrd's Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys ordii, is a kangaroo rat that is native to Western North America, specifically the Great Plains and the Great Basin with its range extending from extreme southern Canada to central Mexico....
, Dipodomys ordii - Panamint Kangaroo RatPanamint Kangaroo RatThe Panamint Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys panamintinus, is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae. It is endemic to the Mojave Desert in California and Nevada, in the United States. Their tails are 7 inches long. It can swim well...
, Dipodomys panamintinus - San Diego Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys simulans
- Stephens' Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys stephensi (endemic)
- Narrow-faced Kangaroo RatNarrow-faced Kangaroo RatThe Narrow-faced Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys venustus, is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae. It is endemic to California in the United States.-References:...
, Dipodomys venustus (endemic) - Dark Kangaroo MouseDark Kangaroo MouseThe Dark Kangaroo Mouse is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae. It is endemic to California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Utah in the United States....
, Microdipodops megacephalus - Pale Kangaroo MousePale Kangaroo MouseThe Pale Kangaroo Mouse or Soda Spring Valley Kangaroo Mouse is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae. It is endemic to California and Nevada in the United States....
, Microdipodops pallidus
Subfamily Perognathinae (pocket mice)
- Bailey's Pocket MouseBailey's Pocket MouseBailey's Pocket Mouse is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae. It is found in Mexico and in California, Arizona and New Mexico in the United States.-References:...
, Chaetodipus baileyi - California Pocket MouseCalifornia Pocket MouseThe California Pocket Mouse is a species of rodent in the Heteromyidae family.It is found in Baja California in Mexico and in California in the United States.-References:...
, Chaetodipus californicus- Dulzura Pocket Mouse, C. californicus femoralis (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- San Diego Pocket MouseSan Diego Pocket MouseThe San Diego Pocket Mouse is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae. It is found in Baja California in Mexico and California in the United States.-References:...
, Chaetodipus fallax- Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse, C. fallax fallax (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Pallid San Diego Pocket Mouse, C. fallax pallidus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Long-tailed Pocket MouseLong-tailed Pocket MouseThe Long-tailed Pocket Mouse is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae.It is found in Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah in the United States and Baja California in Mexico.-References:...
, Chaetodipus formosus - Desert Pocket MouseDesert pocket mouseThe desert pocket mouse is a North American species of heteromyid rodent found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. True to its common name, the desert pocket mouse prefers sandy, sparsely vegetated desert. Its primary diet is seeds, making it a granivore...
, Chaetodipus penicillatus - Spiny Pocket MouseSpiny Pocket MouseThe Spiny Pocket Mouse is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae. It is found in Baja California in Mexico and in Arizona, California and Nevada in the United States.-References:...
, Chaetodipus spinatus - White-eared Pocket MouseWhite-eared Pocket MouseThe White-eared Pocket Mouse is a species of rodent in the Heteromyidae family. It is endemic to the San Bernardino Mountains and the Tehachapi Mountains of southern California in the United States....
, Perognathus alticola (endemic)- White-eared Pocket Mouse, P. alticola alticola (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Tehachapi Pocket Mouse, P. alticola inexpectatus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- San Joaquin Pocket MouseSan Joaquin Pocket MouseThe San Joaquin Pocket Mouse or Salinas Pocket Mouse is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae. It is endemic to California in the United States....
, Perognathus inornatus (endemic)- Salinas Pocket Mouse, P. inornatus psammophilus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Little Pocket MouseLittle Pocket MouseThe Little Pocket Mouse is a species of rodent in the Heteromyidae family. It is found in Baja California and Sonora in Mexico and in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Utah in the United States...
, Perognathus longimembris- Palm Springs Pocket Mouse, P. longimembris bangsi (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Los Angeles Pocket Mouse, P. longimembris brevinasus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Jacumba Pocket Mouse, P. longimembris internationalis (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Pacific Pocket Mouse, P. longimembris pacificus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Great Basin Pocket MouseGreat Basin Pocket MouseThe Great Basin Pocket Mouse is a species of rodent in the Heteromyidae family. It is found in British Columbia in Canada and the western United States.-Taxonomy:...
, Perognathus parvus
Rodent
Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing....
ia
Family: Cricetidae
Cricetidae
The Cricetidae are a family of rodents in the large and complex superfamily Muroidea. It includes true hamsters, voles, lemmings, and New World rats and mice...
29 species of vole
Vole
A vole is a small rodent resembling a mouse but with a stouter body, a shorter hairy tail, a slightly rounder head, smaller ears and eyes, and differently formed molars . There are approximately 155 species of voles. They are sometimes known as meadow mice or field mice in North America...
s and New World
New World
The New World is one of the names used for the Western Hemisphere, specifically America and sometimes Oceania . The term originated in the late 15th century, when America had been recently discovered by European explorers, expanding the geographical horizon of the people of the European middle...
rat
Rat
Rats are various medium-sized, long-tailed rodents of the superfamily Muroidea. "True rats" are members of the genus Rattus, the most important of which to humans are the black rat, Rattus rattus, and the brown rat, Rattus norvegicus...
s and mice
Mouse
A mouse is a small mammal belonging to the order of rodents. The best known mouse species is the common house mouse . It is also a popular pet. In some places, certain kinds of field mice are also common. This rodent is eaten by large birds such as hawks and eagles...
occur in California.
Subfamily Arvicolinae
Arvicolinae
The Arvicolinae are a subfamily of rodents that includes the voles, lemmings, and muskrats. They are most closely related to the other subfamilies in the Cricetidae . Some authorities place the subfamily Arvicolinae in the family Muridae along with all other members of the superfamily Muroidea...
(lemmings, voles, and muskrat)
- White-footed VoleWhite-footed VoleThe White-footed Vole is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is found only in the United States. Its natural habitat is temperate forests.-Source:...
, Arborimus albipes (CDFG special concern) - Sonoma Tree VoleCalifornia Red Tree MouseThe California Red Tree Mouse or Sonoma Tree Vole is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. The species is found in northwest California in the United States....
, Arborimus pomo (CDFG special concern; endemic) - Western Red-backed VoleWestern Red-Backed VoleThe Western Red-Backed Vole is a species of vole in the family Cricetidae. It is found in California and Oregon in the United States and lives mainly in coniferous forest...
, Clethrionomys californicus - Sagebrush VoleSagebrush VoleThe Sagebrush Vole is a tiny vole found in western North America. This is the only member of genus Lemmiscus....
, Lemmiscus curtatus - California VoleCalifornia VoleThe California vole is a type of vole which lives throughout much of California and part of southwestern Oregon. It is also known as the California meadow mouse. It averages in length although this length varies greatly between subspecies.-Description:The California vole is a medium sized vole,...
, Microtus californicus- Monterey Vole, M. californicus halophilus (endemic)
- Mojave River Vole, M. californicus mohavensis (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- San Pablo Vole, M. californicus sanpabloensis (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Amargosa Vole, M. californicus scirpensis (Federal and State endangered; endemic)
- South Coast Marsh Vole, M. californicus stephensi (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Owens Valley Vole, M. californicus vallicola (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Long-tailed VoleLong-tailed VoleThe Long-tailed Vole is a small vole found in western North America. The Coronation Island Vole, once considered to be a separate species, is now believed to be a subspecies....
, Microtus longicaudus - Montane VoleMontane VoleThe Montane Vole is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae.It is found in the western United States and British Columbia in Canada.-References:...
, Microtus montanus - Creeping VoleCreeping VoleThe Creeping Vole is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae.It is found in British Columbia in Canada and in California, Oregon and Washington in the United States.-References:...
, Microtus oregoni - Townsend's VoleTownsend's VoleTownsend's Vole is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae.It is found in British Columbia in Canada and in Washington and Oregon in the United States.Its natural habitat is temperate grassland.-References:...
, Microtus townsendii - MuskratMuskratThe muskrat , the only species in genus Ondatra, is a medium-sized semi-aquatic rodent native to North America, and introduced in parts of Europe, Asia, and South America. The muskrat is found in wetlands and is a very successful animal over a wide range of climates and habitats...
, Ondatra zibethicus (introduced, harvest) - Heather VoleWestern Heather VoleThe Western Heather Vole, Phenacomys intermedius, is a small vole found in western North America. Until recently, the Eastern Heather Vole, Phenacomys ungava, was considered to be a subspecies....
, Phenacomys intermedius
Subfamily Neotominae
Neotominae
Neotominae is a subfamily of the family Cricetidae. It consists of four tribes, 16 genera, and many species of New World rats and mice, predominantly found in North America. Among them are the well-known deer mice, white-footed mice, packrats, and grasshopper mice.Neotomines are related to the...
(North American rats and mice)
- White-throated WoodratWhite-Throated WoodratThe white-throated woodrat is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is found from central Mexico north to Utah and Colorado in the United States. It is primarily a western species in the United States, extending from central Texas west to southeastern California...
, Neotoma albigula - Bushy-tailed WoodratBushy-tailed WoodratThe Bushy-tailed Woodrat, Packrat, or Woodrat is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae.It is found in Canada and the United States....
, Neotoma cinerea - Dusky-footed WoodratDusky-Footed WoodratThe Dusky-footed Woodrat is a species of nocturnal rodent in the family Cricetidae. They are commonly called "packrats" or "trade rats" and build large, domed dens that can reach several feet in height. Coyotes and other predators will attempt to prey on these rodents by laying waste to the dens,...
, Neotoma fuscipes - Desert WoodratDesert WoodratThe Desert Woodrat is a small species of pack rat native to desert regions of western North America, ranging from southeastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho, south to California in the U.S., and Baja California and extreme northwestern Sonora in Mexico.This pack rat is 8.5 to 15 inches long...
, Neotoma lepida - Large-eared Woodrat, Neotoma macrotis
- Northern Grasshopper MouseOnychomys leucogasterThe Northern Grasshopper Mouse, or Killer Mouse , is a North American carnivorous rodent originating from the dry areas of the continent.- Background Information. :...
, Onychomys leucogaster - Southern Grasshopper MouseSouthern Grasshopper MouseThe Southern Grasshopper Mouse is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae.It is found in Mexico and in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah in the United States.-References:...
, Onychomys torridus - Brush MouseBrush MouseThe brush mouse is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is found in mountainous areas of Mexico and the western United States at altitudes over .-Description:...
, Peromyscus boylii - California MouseCalifornia MouseThe California Mouse is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is the only species in the Peromyscus californicus species group. It is found in north-western Mexico and central to southern California...
, Peromyscus californicus - Canyon MouseCanyon mouseCanyon Mouse , is a gray-brown mouse found in many states of the Western United States and northern Mexico. Its preferred habitat is arid, rocky desert. It is the only species in the Peromyscus crinitus species group....
, Peromyscus crinitus - Cactus MouseCactus MouseThe Cactus Mouse is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae.It is found in Mexico and the United States....
, Peromyscus eremicus - Baja Mouse, Peromyscus fraterculus
- Deer MousePeromyscus maniculatusPeromyscus maniculatus is a rodent native to North America. It is most commonly called the Deer Mouse, although that name is common to most species of Peromyscus and is fairly widespread across the continent, with the major exception being the southeast United States and the far north.Like other...
, Peromyscus maniculatus - Pinyon MousePinyon MousePeromyscus truei or the pinyon mouse, is native to the southwestern United States. These medium sized mice are often distinguished by their relatively large ears...
, Peromyscus truei - Salt Marsh Harvest MouseSalt Marsh Harvest MouseThe Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse , also known as the Red-bellied Harvest Mouse and some times called by Saltmarsh Harvest Mouse, is an endangered rodent endemic to the San Francisco Bay Area salt marshes in California. There are two distinct subspecies, both endangered and listed together on federal...
, Reithrodontomys raviventris (endemic) - Western Harvest MouseWestern harvest mouseThe Western Harvest Mouse is a small neotomine mouse native to southwest British Columbia, most of the western United States extending continuously to west Texas, northeast Arkansas, northwest Indiana, southwest Wisconsin, the interior of Mexico to Oaxaca...
, Reithrodontomys megalotis
Subfamily Sigmodontinae
Sigmodontinae
The subfamily Sigmodontinae is one of the most diverse groups of mammals. It includes New World rats and mice, with at least 376 species. Many authorities include the Neotominae and Tylomyinae as part of a larger definition of Sigmodontinae. When those genera are included, the species count...
(cotton rats)
- Arizona Cotton RatArizona Cotton RatThe Arizona cotton rat or Colorado River cotton rat is a species of rodent in the family Cricetidae. It is found in Mexico and the United States.-Description:...
, Sigmodon arizonae - Hispid Cotton RatHispid Cotton RatThe Hispid Cotton Rat is a rodent species long thought to occur in parts of South America, Central America, and southern North America. However, recent taxonomic revisions, based on mitochondrial DNA sequence data, have split this widely distributed species into three separate species. Carroll et...
, Sigmodon hispidus
Order: Rodent
Rodent
Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing....
ia
Family: Muridae
Muridae
Muridae is the largest family of mammals. It contains over 600 species found naturally throughout Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. They have been introduced worldwide. The group includes true mice and rats, gerbils, and relatives....
3 species of Old World
Old World
The Old World consists of those parts of the world known to classical antiquity and the European Middle Ages. It is used in the context of, and contrast with, the "New World" ....
rat
Rat
Rats are various medium-sized, long-tailed rodents of the superfamily Muroidea. "True rats" are members of the genus Rattus, the most important of which to humans are the black rat, Rattus rattus, and the brown rat, Rattus norvegicus...
s and mice
Mouse
A mouse is a small mammal belonging to the order of rodents. The best known mouse species is the common house mouse . It is also a popular pet. In some places, certain kinds of field mice are also common. This rodent is eaten by large birds such as hawks and eagles...
occur in California.
- House MouseHouse mouseThe house mouse is a small rodent, a mouse, one of the most numerous species of the genus Mus.As a wild animal the house mouse mainly lives associated with humans, causing damage to crops and stored food....
, Mus musculus (introduced) - Norway RatBrown RatThe brown rat, common rat, sewer rat, Hanover rat, Norway rat, Brown Norway rat, Norwegian rat, or wharf rat is one of the best known and most common rats....
, Rattus norvegicus (introduced) - Black RatBlack RatThe black rat is a common long-tailed rodent of the genus Rattus in the subfamily Murinae . The species originated in tropical Asia and spread through the Near East in Roman times before reaching Europe by the 1st century and spreading with Europeans across the world.-Taxonomy:The black rat was...
, Rattus rattus (introduced)
Order: Rodent
Rodent
Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing....
ia
Family: Dipodidae
Dipodidae
The Dipodidae, or dipodids, are a family of rodents found across the northern hemisphere. This family includes over 50 species among the 16 genera....
2 species of jumping mice occur in California.
- Western Jumping Mouse, Zapus princeps
- Pacific Jumping Mouse, Zapus trinotatus
Order: Rodent
Rodent
Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing....
ia
Family: Myocastoridae
One species of coypu
Coypu
The coypu , , also known as the river rat, and nutria, is a large, herbivorous, semiaquatic rodent and the only member of the family Myocastoridae. Originally native to subtropical and temperate South America, it has since been introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, primarily by...
occurs in California.
- NutriaCoypuThe coypu , , also known as the river rat, and nutria, is a large, herbivorous, semiaquatic rodent and the only member of the family Myocastoridae. Originally native to subtropical and temperate South America, it has since been introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, primarily by...
, Myocastor coypus (introduced)
Order: Rodent
Rodent
Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing....
ia
Family: Erethizontidae
One species of porcupine
Porcupine
Porcupines are rodents with a coat of sharp spines, or quills, that defend or camouflage them from predators. They are indigenous to the Americas, southern Asia, and Africa. Porcupines are the third largest of the rodents, behind the capybara and the beaver. Most porcupines are about long, with...
occurs in California.
- Common PorcupineNorth American PorcupineThe North American Porcupine , also known as Canadian Porcupine or Common Porcupine, is a large rodent in the New World porcupine family. The Beaver is the only rodent larger than the North American Porcupine found in North America...
, Erethizon dorsatum
Whales, dolphins and porpoises
Cetacea
The order Cetacea includes the marine mammals commonly known as whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Cetus is Latin and is used in biological names to mean "whale"; its original meaning, "large sea animal", was more general. It comes from Ancient Greek , meaning "whale" or "any huge fish or sea...
Family: Eschrichtiidae
Eschrichtiidae
Eschrichtiidae is a family of baleen whales in the suborder Mysticeti.At least five genera are recognised, but only a single species from one genus is still alive, the gray whale, Eschrichtius robustus....
One species of gray whale
Gray Whale
The gray whale, Eschrichtius robustus, is a baleen whale that migrates between feeding and breeding grounds yearly. It reaches a length of about , a weight of , and lives 50–70 years. The common name of the whale comes from the gray patches and white mottling on its dark skin. Gray whales were...
occurs in California's waters.
- Gray WhaleGray WhaleThe gray whale, Eschrichtius robustus, is a baleen whale that migrates between feeding and breeding grounds yearly. It reaches a length of about , a weight of , and lives 50–70 years. The common name of the whale comes from the gray patches and white mottling on its dark skin. Gray whales were...
, Eschrichtius robustus (migrant)
Order: Cetacea
Cetacea
The order Cetacea includes the marine mammals commonly known as whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Cetus is Latin and is used in biological names to mean "whale"; its original meaning, "large sea animal", was more general. It comes from Ancient Greek , meaning "whale" or "any huge fish or sea...
Family: Balaenopteridae
5 species of rorqual
Rorqual
Rorquals are the largest group of baleen whales, with nine species in two genera. They include the largest animal that has ever lived, the Blue Whale, which can reach , and another that easily reaches ; even the smallest of the group, the Northern Minke Whale, reaches .-Characteristics:Rorquals...
s occur in California's waters.
- Minke WhaleMinke WhaleMinke whale , or lesser rorqual, is a name given to two species of marine mammal belonging to a clade within the suborder of baleen whales. The minke whale was given its official designation by Lacepède in 1804, who described a dwarf form of Balænoptera acuto-rostrata...
, Balaenoptera acutorostrata - Sei WhaleSei WhaleThe sei whale , Balaenoptera borealis, is a baleen whale, the third-largest rorqual after the blue whale and the fin whale. It inhabits most oceans and adjoining seas, and prefers deep offshore waters. It avoids polar and tropical waters and semi-enclosed bodies of water...
, Balaenoptera borealis - Blue WhaleBlue WhaleThe blue whale is a marine mammal belonging to the suborder of baleen whales . At in length and or more in weight, it is the largest known animal to have ever existed....
, Balaenoptera musculus - Fin WhaleFin WhaleThe fin whale , also called the finback whale, razorback, or common rorqual, is a marine mammal belonging to the suborder of baleen whales. It is the second longest whale and the sixth largest living animal after the blue whale, bowhead whale, and right whales, growing to nearly 27 metres long...
, Balaenoptera physalus - Humpback WhaleHumpback WhaleThe humpback whale is a species of baleen whale. One of the larger rorqual species, adults range in length from and weigh approximately . The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. It is an acrobatic animal, often breaching and slapping the...
, Megaptera novaeangliae
Order: Cetacea
Cetacea
The order Cetacea includes the marine mammals commonly known as whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Cetus is Latin and is used in biological names to mean "whale"; its original meaning, "large sea animal", was more general. It comes from Ancient Greek , meaning "whale" or "any huge fish or sea...
Family: Balaenidae
Balaenidae
Balaenidae is a family of mysticete whales that contains two living genera. Commonly called the right whales as it contains mainly right whale species...
One species of right whale
Right whale
Right whales are three species of large baleen whales consisting of two genera in the family Balaenidae of order Cetacea. Their bodies are very dark gray or black and rotund....
occurs in California's waters.
- North Pacific Right WhaleNorth Pacific Right WhaleThe North Pacific right whale is a very large, robust baleen whale species that is now extremely rare and endangered. The Northeast Pacific subpopulation, that summers in the southeastern Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska, may have no more than 50 animals...
- Eubalaena japonica (vagrant)
Order: Cetacea
Cetacea
The order Cetacea includes the marine mammals commonly known as whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Cetus is Latin and is used in biological names to mean "whale"; its original meaning, "large sea animal", was more general. It comes from Ancient Greek , meaning "whale" or "any huge fish or sea...
Family: Delphinidae
11 species of dolphin
Dolphin
Dolphins are marine mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises. There are almost forty species of dolphin in 17 genera. They vary in size from and , up to and . They are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, and are carnivores, mostly eating...
s occur in California's waters.
- Short-beaked Common DolphinCommon dolphinThe common dolphin is the name given to two species of dolphin making up the genus Delphinus.Prior to the mid-1990s, most taxonomists only recognised one species in this genus, the common dolphin Delphinus delphis...
, Delphinus delphis - Long-beaked Common DolphinCommon dolphinThe common dolphin is the name given to two species of dolphin making up the genus Delphinus.Prior to the mid-1990s, most taxonomists only recognised one species in this genus, the common dolphin Delphinus delphis...
, Delphinus capensis - Short-finned Pilot WhalePilot whalePilot whales are cetaceans belonging to the genus Globicephala. There are two extant species, the long-finned pilot whale and the short-finned pilot whale . The two are not readily distinguished at sea and analysis of the skulls is the best way to tell the difference between them...
, Globicephala macrorhynchus - Risso's DolphinRisso's DolphinRisso's dolphin is the only species of dolphin in the genus Grampus.-Taxonomy:Risso's dolphin is named after Antoine Risso, whose description formed the basis of the first public description of the animal, by Georges Cuvier, in 1812...
, Grampus griseus - White-sided DolphinPacific White-sided DolphinThe Pacific White-sided Dolphin is a very active dolphin found in the cool to temperate waters of the North Pacific Ocean.-Taxonomy:...
, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens - Northern Right Whale DolphinNorthern Right Whale DolphinThe Northern right whale dolphin is a small and slender species of marine mammal found in the North Pacific Ocean. The Northern right whale dolphin travels in groups of up to 2000, often with other cetaceans, in deep waters of the North Pacific...
, Lissodelphis borealis - Killer WhaleOrcaThe killer whale , commonly referred to as the orca, and less commonly as the blackfish, is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family. Killer whales are found in all oceans, from the frigid Arctic and Antarctic regions to tropical seas...
, Orcinus orca - False Killer WhaleFalse Killer WhaleThe False Killer Whale is a cetacean, and the third largest member of the oceanic dolphin family . It lives in temperate and tropical waters throughout the world. As its name implies, the False Killer Whale shares characteristics, such as appearance, with the more widely known Orca...
, Pseudorca crassidens - Pantropical Spotted DolphinPantropical Spotted DolphinThe Pantropical Spotted Dolphin is a species of dolphin found in all the world's temperate and tropical oceans. The species was beginning to come under threat due to the killing of millions of individuals in tuna purse seines...
, Stenella attenuata (vagrant) - Striped DolphinStriped DolphinThe Striped Dolphin is an extensively studied dolphin that is found in temperate and tropical waters of all the world's oceans.-Taxonomy:...
, Stenella coeruleoalba - Rough-toothed DolphinRough-toothed DolphinThe Rough-toothed dolphin is species of dolphin that can be found in deep warm and tropical waters around the world.The species was first described by Georges Cuvier in 1823...
, Steno bredanensis (vagrant) - Bottlenose DolphinBottlenose DolphinBottlenose dolphins, the genus Tursiops, are the most common and well-known members of the family Delphinidae, the family of oceanic dolphins. Recent molecular studies show the genus contains two species, the common bottlenose dolphin and the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin , instead of one...
, Tursiops truncatus
Order: Cetacea
Cetacea
The order Cetacea includes the marine mammals commonly known as whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Cetus is Latin and is used in biological names to mean "whale"; its original meaning, "large sea animal", was more general. It comes from Ancient Greek , meaning "whale" or "any huge fish or sea...
Family: Phocoenidae
2 species of porpoise
Porpoise
Porpoises are small cetaceans of the family Phocoenidae; they are related to whales and dolphins. They are distinct from dolphins, although the word "porpoise" has been used to refer to any small dolphin, especially by sailors and fishermen...
s occur in California's waters.
- Dall's PorpoiseDall's PorpoiseDall's porpoise is a species of porpoise found on the North Pacific. It came to worldwide attention in the 1970s when it was disclosed for the first time to the public that salmon fishing trawls were killing a lot, thousands of Dall's porpoises and other cetaceans each year by accidentally...
- Phocoenoides dalli - Harbour PorpoiseHarbour PorpoiseThe harbour porpoise is one of six species of porpoise. It is one of the smallest marine mammals. As its name implies, it stays close to coastal areas or river estuaries, and as such, is the most familiar porpoise to whale watchers. This porpoise often ventures up rivers, and has been seen...
- Phocoena phocoena
Order: Cetacea
Cetacea
The order Cetacea includes the marine mammals commonly known as whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Cetus is Latin and is used in biological names to mean "whale"; its original meaning, "large sea animal", was more general. It comes from Ancient Greek , meaning "whale" or "any huge fish or sea...
Family: Physeteridae
3 species of sperm whale
Sperm Whale
The sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus, is a marine mammal species, order Cetacea, a toothed whale having the largest brain of any animal. The name comes from the milky-white waxy substance, spermaceti, found in the animal's head. The sperm whale is the only living member of genus Physeter...
s occur in California's waters.
- Pygmy Sperm WhalePygmy Sperm WhaleThe Pygmy Sperm Whale is one of three species of toothed whale in the sperm whale family. They are not often sighted at sea, and most of what is known about them comes from the examination of stranded specimens.-Taxonomy:...
- Kogia breviceps - Dwarf Sperm WhaleDwarf Sperm WhaleThe Dwarf Sperm Whale is one of three species in the sperm whale family. They are not often sighted at sea. As such, most information is a result of the study of stranded carcasses.-Taxonomy:...
- Kogia simus - Sperm WhaleSperm WhaleThe sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus, is a marine mammal species, order Cetacea, a toothed whale having the largest brain of any animal. The name comes from the milky-white waxy substance, spermaceti, found in the animal's head. The sperm whale is the only living member of genus Physeter...
- Physeter macrocephalus
Order: Cetacea
Cetacea
The order Cetacea includes the marine mammals commonly known as whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Cetus is Latin and is used in biological names to mean "whale"; its original meaning, "large sea animal", was more general. It comes from Ancient Greek , meaning "whale" or "any huge fish or sea...
Family: Ziphiidae
7 species of beaked whale
Beaked whale
Beaked whales are 21 species of toothed whales, members of the family Ziphiidae, are notable for their elongated beaks. Beaked whales are one of the world's most extreme divers. They can dive for long periods—20 to 30 minutes is common, and 85 minute dives have been recorded—and to...
s occur in California's waters.
- Giant beaked whaleGiant beaked whaleThe genus Berardius contains two species of beaked whale, Baird's beaked whale and Arnoux's beaked whale. The two species are so similar, some scientists regard their separation into distinct species as a historical anomaly...
, Berardius bairdii - Hubbs' Beaked WhaleHubbs' Beaked WhaleHubbs' beaked whale was initially thought to be an Andrews' beaked whale when discovered by ichthyologist Carl Hubbs; however, it was named in his honor when it was discovered to be a new species. This species has the typical dentition found in the genus, but its main outstanding features are a...
, Mesoplodon carlhubbsi - Blainville's Beaked WhaleBlainville's Beaked WhaleBlainville's beaked whale , or the dense-beaked whale, is the widest ranging mesoplodont whale and perhaps the most documented. Henri de Blainville first described the species in 1817 from a small piece of jaw—the heaviest bone he had ever come across—which resulted in the name densirostris...
, Mesoplodon densirostris - Ginkgo-toothed Beaked WhaleGinkgo-toothed Beaked WhaleThe ginkgo-toothed beaked whale is a poorly known species of whale even for a beaked whale, and was named for the unusual shape of its dual teeth...
, Mesoplodon ginkgodens - Perrin's Beaked WhalePerrin's Beaked WhalePerrin's beaked whale is the newest species of beaked whale to be described. The first two specimens were found in May 1975 stranded on the California coast, with two more specimens being found in 1978 and 1979, and the last in September 1997...
, Mesoplodon perrini - North Pacific Beaked WhaleStejneger's Beaked WhaleStejneger's beaked whale , sometimes known as the Bering Sea beaked whale or the Saber-toothed whale, is a poorly-known member of the genus Mesoplodon inhabiting the northern North Pacific Ocean. Leonhard Hess Stejneger initially described the species in 1885 from a skull, and nothing more of the...
, Mesoplodon stejnegeri - Cuvier's Beaked WhaleCuvier's Beaked WhaleCuvier's beaked whale is the most widely distributed of all the beaked whales. It is the only member of the genus Ziphius. Another common name for the species is goose-beaked whale because its head is said to be shaped like the beak of a goose. Georges Cuvier first described it in 1823 from part...
, Ziphius cavirostris
Carnivorans
Carnivora
The diverse order Carnivora |Latin]] carō "flesh", + vorāre "to devour") includes over 260 species of placental mammals. Its members are formally referred to as carnivorans, while the word "carnivore" can refer to any meat-eating animal...
Family: Canidae
Canidae
Canidae is the biological family of carnivorous and omnivorous mammals that includes wolves, foxes, jackals, coyotes, and domestic dogs. A member of this family is called a canid . The Canidae family is divided into two tribes: Canini and Vulpini...
6 species of canid
Canidae
Canidae is the biological family of carnivorous and omnivorous mammals that includes wolves, foxes, jackals, coyotes, and domestic dogs. A member of this family is called a canid . The Canidae family is divided into two tribes: Canini and Vulpini...
s occurred in California, one was recently extirpated.
- CoyoteCoyoteThe coyote , also known as the American jackal or the prairie wolf, is a species of canine found throughout North and Central America, ranging from Panama in the south, north through Mexico, the United States and Canada...
, Canis latrans - Gray WolfGray WolfThe gray wolf , also known as the wolf, is the largest extant wild member of the Canidae family...
, Canis lupus (extirpated, 1924)- Feral DogDogThe domestic dog is a domesticated form of the gray wolf, a member of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. The term is used for both feral and pet varieties. The dog may have been the first animal to be domesticated, and has been the most widely kept working, hunting, and companion animal in...
, C. l. familiaris (introduced)
- Feral Dog
- Gray FoxGray FoxThe gray fox is a mammal of the order Carnivora ranging throughout most of the southern half of North America from southern Canada to the northern part of South America...
, Urocyon cinereoargenteus (harvest) - Island FoxIsland FoxThe island fox is a small fox that is native to six of the eight Channel Islands of California. There are six subspecies of the fox, each unique to the island it lives on, reflecting its evolutionary history...
, Urocyon littoralis (endemic) - Red FoxRed FoxThe red fox is the largest of the true foxes, as well as being the most geographically spread member of the Carnivora, being distributed across the entire northern hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to North Africa, Central America, and the steppes of Asia...
, Vulpes vulpes (introduced) - Kit FoxKit FoxThe kit fox is a fox species of North America. Its range is primarily in the southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico. Some mammalogists classify it as conspecific with the swift fox, V. velox, but molecular systematics imply that the two species are distinct.-Range:The...
, Vulpes macrotis
Order: Carnivora
Carnivora
The diverse order Carnivora |Latin]] carō "flesh", + vorāre "to devour") includes over 260 species of placental mammals. Its members are formally referred to as carnivorans, while the word "carnivore" can refer to any meat-eating animal...
Family: Ursidae
2 species of bear
Bear
Bears are mammals of the family Ursidae. Bears are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans, with the pinnipeds being their closest living relatives. Although there are only eight living species of bear, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the Northern...
s occurred in California, one was recently extirpated.
- Black BearAmerican black bearThe American black bear is a medium-sized bear native to North America. It is the continent's smallest and most common bear species. Black bears are omnivores, with their diets varying greatly depending on season and location. They typically live in largely forested areas, but do leave forests in...
, Ursus americanus (harvest) - Grizzly BearGrizzly BearThe grizzly bear , also known as the silvertip bear, the grizzly, or the North American brown bear, is a subspecies of brown bear that generally lives in the uplands of western North America...
, Ursus arctos californicus (extirpated, 1931)
Order: Carnivora
Carnivora
The diverse order Carnivora |Latin]] carō "flesh", + vorāre "to devour") includes over 260 species of placental mammals. Its members are formally referred to as carnivorans, while the word "carnivore" can refer to any meat-eating animal...
Family: Procyonidae
Procyonidae
Procyonidae is a New World family of the order Carnivora. It includes the raccoons, coatis, kinkajous, olingos, ringtails and cacomistles. Procyonids inhabit a wide range of environments, and are generally omnivorous.-Characteristics:...
2 species of raccoon
Raccoon
Procyon is a genus of nocturnal mammals, comprising three species commonly known as raccoons, in the family Procyonidae. The most familiar species, the common raccoon , is often known simply as "the" raccoon, as the two other raccoon species in the genus are native only to the tropics and are...
s and ringtail
Ringtail
The ringtail is a mammal of the raccoon family , native to arid regions of North America. It is also known as the ringtail cat, ring-tailed cat or miner's cat, and is also sometimes mistakenly called a "civet cat"...
s occur in California.
- RingtailRing-tailed CatThe ringtail is a mammal of the raccoon family , native to arid regions of North America. It is also known as the ringtail cat, ring-tailed cat or miner's cat, and is also sometimes mistakenly called a "civet cat"...
, Bassariscus astutus - RaccoonRaccoonProcyon is a genus of nocturnal mammals, comprising three species commonly known as raccoons, in the family Procyonidae. The most familiar species, the common raccoon , is often known simply as "the" raccoon, as the two other raccoon species in the genus are native only to the tropics and are...
, Procyon lotor (harvest)
Order: Carnivora
Carnivora
The diverse order Carnivora |Latin]] carō "flesh", + vorāre "to devour") includes over 260 species of placental mammals. Its members are formally referred to as carnivorans, while the word "carnivore" can refer to any meat-eating animal...
Family: Mustelidae
Mustelidae
Mustelidae , commonly referred to as the weasel family, are a family of carnivorous mammals. Mustelids are diverse and the largest family in the order Carnivora, at least partly because in the past it has been a catch-all category for many early or poorly differentiated taxa...
9 species of weasels
Mustelidae
Mustelidae , commonly referred to as the weasel family, are a family of carnivorous mammals. Mustelids are diverse and the largest family in the order Carnivora, at least partly because in the past it has been a catch-all category for many early or poorly differentiated taxa...
occur in California.
- Sea OtterSea OtterThe sea otter is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. Adult sea otters typically weigh between 14 and 45 kg , making them the heaviest members of the weasel family, but among the smallest marine mammals...
, Enhydra lutris - Northern River OtterNorthern River OtterThe North American river otter , also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent, found in and along its waterways and coasts. An adult river otter can weigh between 5 and 14 kg...
, Lontra canadensis - WolverineWolverineThe wolverine, pronounced , Gulo gulo , also referred to as glutton, carcajou, skunk bear, or quickhatch, is the largest land-dwelling species of the family Mustelidae . It is a stocky and muscular carnivore, more closely resembling a small bear than other mustelids...
, Gulo gulo - American MartenAmerican MartenThe American marten is a North American member of the family Mustelidae, sometimes referred to as the pine marten. The name "pine marten" is derived from the common but distinct Eurasian species of Martes...
, Martes americana- Humboldt Marten, M. americana humboldtensis (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- FisherFisher (animal)The fisher is a medium-size mammal native to North America. It is a member of the mustelid family, commonly referred to as the weasel family. The fisher is closely related to but larger than the American Marten...
, Martes pennanti- Pacific Fisher, M. pennanti pacificus (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- ErmineStoatThe stoat , also known as the ermine or short-tailed weasel, is a species of Mustelid native to Eurasia and North America, distinguished from the least weasel by its larger size and longer tail with a prominent black tip...
, Mustela erminea (harvest) - Long-tailed WeaselLong-tailed WeaselThe long-tailed weasel , also known as the bridled weasel or big stoat is a species of mustelid distributed from southern Canada throughout all the United States and Mexico, southward through all of Central America and into northern South America.-Evolution:The long-tailed weasel is the product of...
, Mustela frenata (harvest) - American MinkAmerican MinkThe American mink is a semi-aquatic species of Mustelid native to North America, though human intervention has expanded its range to many parts of Europe and South America. Because of this, it is classed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Since the extinction of the sea mink, the American mink is the...
, Mustela vison (harvest) - American BadgerAmerican BadgerThe American badger is a North American badger, somewhat similar in appearance to the European badger. It is found in the western and central United States, northern Mexico and central Canada, as well as in certain areas of southwestern British Columbia.Their habitat is typified by open...
, Taxidea taxus (harvest)
Order: Carnivora
Carnivora
The diverse order Carnivora |Latin]] carō "flesh", + vorāre "to devour") includes over 260 species of placental mammals. Its members are formally referred to as carnivorans, while the word "carnivore" can refer to any meat-eating animal...
Family: Mephitidae
2 species of skunk
Skunk
Skunks are mammals best known for their ability to secrete a liquid with a strong, foul odor. General appearance varies from species to species, from black-and-white to brown or cream colored. Skunks belong to the family Mephitidae and to the order Carnivora...
s occur in California.
- Striped SkunkStriped SkunkThe striped skunk, Mephitis mephitis, is an omnivorous mammal of the skunk family Mephitidae. Found over most of the North American continent north of Mexico, it is one of the best-known mammals in Canada and the United States.-Description:...
, Mephitis mephitis (harvest) - Western Spotted SkunkWestern Spotted SkunkThe Western Spotted Skunk is a spotted skunk found throughout the western United States, northern Mexico, and southwestern British Columbia. With a total length of , the Western Spotted Skunk is smaller than the Striped Skunk . Their habitat is mixed woodlands, open areas, and farmlands. They...
, Spilogale gracilis (harvest)- Channel Islands Spotted SkunkChannel Islands Spotted SkunkThe Channel Islands spotted skunk, Santa Rosa Island spotted skunk, or island spotted skunk is a subspecies of North American skunk about which little is known. It is native to just three islands off the coast of Southern California , and may be extinct on one...
, S. gracilis amphiala (CDFG special concern; endemic)
- Channel Islands Spotted Skunk
Order: Carnivora
Carnivora
The diverse order Carnivora |Latin]] carō "flesh", + vorāre "to devour") includes over 260 species of placental mammals. Its members are formally referred to as carnivorans, while the word "carnivore" can refer to any meat-eating animal...
Family: Felidae
Felidae
Felidae is the biological family of the cats; a member of this family is called a felid. Felids are the strictest carnivores of the thirteen terrestrial families in the order Carnivora, although the three families of marine mammals comprising the superfamily pinnipedia are as carnivorous as the...
4 species of cats
Felidae
Felidae is the biological family of the cats; a member of this family is called a felid. Felids are the strictest carnivores of the thirteen terrestrial families in the order Carnivora, although the three families of marine mammals comprising the superfamily pinnipedia are as carnivorous as the...
occurred in California, one was recently extirpated.
- Feral catFeral catA feral cat is a descendant of a domesticated cat that has returned to the wild. It is distinguished from a stray cat, which is a pet cat that has been lost or abandoned, while feral cats are born in the wild; the offspring of a stray cat can be considered feral if born in the wild.In many parts of...
, Felis catus - BobcatBobcatThe bobcat is a North American mammal of the cat family Felidae, appearing during the Irvingtonian stage of around 1.8 million years ago . With twelve recognized subspecies, it ranges from southern Canada to northern Mexico, including most of the continental United States...
, Lynx rufus (harvest) - JaguarJaguarThe jaguar is a big cat, a feline in the Panthera genus, and is the only Panthera species found in the Americas. The jaguar is the third-largest feline after the tiger and the lion, and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. The jaguar's present range extends from Southern United States and Mexico...
, Panthera onca (extirpated 1826) - Mountain Lion, Puma concolor
Seals and sea lions
Carnivora
The diverse order Carnivora |Latin]] carō "flesh", + vorāre "to devour") includes over 260 species of placental mammals. Its members are formally referred to as carnivorans, while the word "carnivore" can refer to any meat-eating animal...
Family: Otariidae
4 species of eared seal
Eared Seal
The eared seals or otariids are marine mammals in the family Otariidae, one of three groupings of Pinnipeds. They comprise 16 species in seven genera commonly known either as sea lions or fur seals, distinct from true seals and the Walrus...
s occur in California.
- Guadalupe Fur SealGuadalupe Fur SealThe Guadalupe fur seal is one of six members of the fur seal genus Arctocephalus. Sealers reduced the population to just a few dozen by the late 19th century, but the species had recovered to 10,000 in number by the late 1990s...
, Arctocephalus townsendi - Northern Fur SealNorthern Fur SealThe Northern fur seal is an eared seal found along the north Pacific Ocean, the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk. It is the largest member of the fur seal subfamily and the only species in the genus Callorhinus.-Physical description:Northern fur seals have extreme sexual dimorphism, with males...
, Callorhinus ursinus - Northern (Steller) Sea Lion, Eumetopias jubatus
- California Sea LionCalifornia Sea LionThe California sea lion is a coastal sea lion of western North America. Their numbers are abundant , and the population continues to expand about 5% annually. They are quite intelligent and can adapt to man-made environments...
, Zalophus californianus
Order: Carnivora
Carnivora
The diverse order Carnivora |Latin]] carō "flesh", + vorāre "to devour") includes over 260 species of placental mammals. Its members are formally referred to as carnivorans, while the word "carnivore" can refer to any meat-eating animal...
Family: Phocidae
2 species of earless seal
Earless seal
The true seals or earless seals are one of the three main groups of mammals within the seal superfamily, Pinnipedia. All true seals are members of the family Phocidae . They are sometimes called crawling seals to distinguish them from the fur seals and sea lions of the family Otariidae...
s occur in California.
- Northern Elephant SealNorthern Elephant SealThe northern elephant seal is one of two species of elephant seal . It is a member of the family Phocidae . Elephant seals derive their name from their great size and from the male's large proboscis, which is used in making extraordinarily loud roaring noises, especially during the mating...
, Mirounga angustirostris - Harbor Seal, Phoca vitulina
Hoofed mammals
Order: ArtiodactylaFamily: Antilocapridae
One species of pronghorn
Pronghorn
The pronghorn is a species of artiodactyl mammal endemic to interior western and central North America. Though not an antelope, it is often known colloquially in North America as the prong buck, pronghorn antelope, or simply antelope, as it closely resembles the true antelopes of the Old World and...
occurs in California.
- PronghornPronghornThe pronghorn is a species of artiodactyl mammal endemic to interior western and central North America. Though not an antelope, it is often known colloquially in North America as the prong buck, pronghorn antelope, or simply antelope, as it closely resembles the true antelopes of the Old World and...
, Antilocapra americana (harvest)
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
3 species of bison
Bison
Members of the genus Bison are large, even-toed ungulates within the subfamily Bovinae. Two extant and four extinct species are recognized...
, cattle
Cattle
Cattle are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos primigenius...
, goat
Goat
The domestic goat is a subspecies of goat domesticated from the wild goat of southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the Bovidae family and is closely related to the sheep as both are in the goat-antelope subfamily Caprinae. There are over three hundred distinct breeds of...
s, and sheep
Ovis
Ovis is a genus of mammals, part of the goat-antelope subfamily of the ruminant family Bovidae. Its five or more highly gregarious species are known as sheep...
occur in California.
- Barbary SheepBarbary sheepThe Barbary Sheep is a species of caprid native to rocky mountains in North Africa. Six subspecies have been described. Although it is rare in its native North Africa, it has been introduced to North America, southern Europe and elsewhere...
, Ammotragus lervia (introduced, harvest) - BisonAmerican BisonThe American bison , also commonly known as the American buffalo, is a North American species of bison that once roamed the grasslands of North America in massive herds...
, Bison bison (introduced) - Bighorn SheepBighorn SheepThe bighorn sheep is a species of sheep in North America named for its large horns. These horns can weigh up to , while the sheep themselves weigh up to . Recent genetic testing indicates that there are three distinct subspecies of Ovis canadensis, one of which is endangered: Ovis canadensis sierrae...
, Ovis canadensis (harvest)- Sierra Nevada Bighorn SheepSierra Nevada Bighorn SheepSierra Nevada bighorn sheep is a subspecies of bighorn sheep. Early taxonomic schemes included herds from British Columbia to southern California in a broader subspecies Ovis canadensis californiana. More recent genetic testing has indicated that O. c...
, O. c. sierrae
- Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep
Family: Cervidae
5 species of deer
Deer
Deer are the ruminant mammals forming the family Cervidae. Species in the Cervidae family include white-tailed deer, elk, moose, red deer, reindeer, fallow deer, roe deer and chital. Male deer of all species and female reindeer grow and shed new antlers each year...
and elk
Elk
The Elk is the large deer, also called Cervus canadensis or wapiti, of North America and eastern Asia.Elk may also refer to:Other antlered mammals:...
occur in California.
- Axis DeerChitalThe chital or cheetal , also known as chital deer, spotted deer or axis deer is a deer which commonly inhabits wooded regions of Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and in small numbers in Pakistan...
, Axis axis (introduced, harvest) - ElkElkThe Elk is the large deer, also called Cervus canadensis or wapiti, of North America and eastern Asia.Elk may also refer to:Other antlered mammals:...
, Cervus canadensis (introduced, harvest)- Tule ElkTule ElkThe tule elk is a subspecies of elk found only in California, ranging from the grasslands and marshlands of the Central Valley to the grassy hills on the coast. The subspecies name derives from the tule that it feeds off of, which grows in the marshlands...
, C. c. nannodes (endemic)
- Tule Elk
- Sambar, Rusa unicolor (introduced, harvest)
- Fallow DeerFallow DeerThe Fallow Deer is a ruminant mammal belonging to the family Cervidae. This common species is native to western Eurasia, but has been introduced widely elsewhere. It often includes the rarer Persian Fallow Deer as a subspecies , while others treat it as an entirely different species The Fallow...
, Dama dama (introduced, harvest) - Mule DeerMule DeerThe mule deer is a deer indigenous to western North America. The Mule Deer gets its name from its large mule-like ears. There are believed to be several subspecies, including the black-tailed deer...
, Odocoileus hemionus (harvest)- California Mule DeerCalifornia Mule DeerCalifornia mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus californicus, is a subspecies of mule deer whose range covers much of the state of California. This species is widespread throughout northern and central California in the California coastal prairie as well as inner coastal ranges and interior mountains,...
, O. h. californicus - Southern Mule Deer, O. h. fuliginatus
- Inyo Mule Deer, O. h. inyoensis
- California Mule Deer
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Suidae
Suidae
Suidae is the biological family to which pigs belong. In addition to numerous fossil species, up to sixteen extant species are currently recognized, classified into between four and eight genera...
One species of pig
Pig
A pig is any of the animals in the genus Sus, within the Suidae family of even-toed ungulates. Pigs include the domestic pig, its ancestor the wild boar, and several other wild relatives...
occurs in California.
- Wild Boar, Sus scrofa (introduced, harvest)
- European Wild Boar, Sus scrofa scrofa