Our Wild Mammal Neighbors
The Ojai Valley, the Los Padres National Forest, and the Carrizo Plain are home to more than forty species of mammals. Badgers, bats, bears, bighorn sheep, bobcats, chipmunks, coyotes, deer, foxes, possums, rabbits, raccoons, rats, ringtails, squirrels, skunks, weasels, and more live here. Some species are classified as sensitive, threatened, or endangered. All are harmed by drought and climate change.
Carnivores are particularly affected by the use of rodenticides, like rat poison. Carnivores eat small mammals. They get sick or die when they eat animals that have ingested rodenticides. To ensure the long-term survival of mammals, we must conserve and expand their critical habitat. Interconnecting corridors are essential for mammals living near us. They help mammals travel from one wilderness area to another.
What you can do to help mammals:
Carnivores are particularly affected by the use of rodenticides, like rat poison. Carnivores eat small mammals. They get sick or die when they eat animals that have ingested rodenticides. To ensure the long-term survival of mammals, we must conserve and expand their critical habitat. Interconnecting corridors are essential for mammals living near us. They help mammals travel from one wilderness area to another.
What you can do to help mammals:
- Avoid the use of rodenticides, such as rat poison. They work their way up the food chain to sicken and kill predator mammals.
- Join and support conservation and restoration organizations working to protect mammals and preserve their habitats.
Mountain Lion
Puma concolor
Photo: Johanna Turner
Puma concolor
Photo: Johanna Turner
Mountain Lions
Mountain lions are legally classified as a “specially protected species.” It is unlawful to possess, transport, import or sell any mountain lion unless the person is in possession of a permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
In July 2019, the California Fish and Game Commission was petitioned to list mountains lions as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act for certain populations occurring in Southern and Central California. The Commission found that listing this group of mountain lions as threatened may be warranted, designated them as a candidate species, and began a review. Until the review is completed, these mountain lions are fully protected under the California Endangered Species Act.
In July 2019, the California Fish and Game Commission was petitioned to list mountains lions as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act for certain populations occurring in Southern and Central California. The Commission found that listing this group of mountain lions as threatened may be warranted, designated them as a candidate species, and began a review. Until the review is completed, these mountain lions are fully protected under the California Endangered Species Act.
Wildlife Corridors
Cartography: Vickie Peters
Mammals and other animals need to travel in search of territory and mates. For example, freeways hem in mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains. Isolated physically and genetically from other lions, unhealthy inbreeding results.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors recently adopted an ordinance establishing wildlife corridors. These corridors will allow animals to travel between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Los Padres National Forest. There are other important wildlife corridors. The ordinance requires property owners to allow animals to pass through their land. It also sets limits on building, fencing, and outdoor lighting. A new wildlife bridge will soon be constructed to safely allow mountain lions and other animals to cross the 101 freeway.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors recently adopted an ordinance establishing wildlife corridors. These corridors will allow animals to travel between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Los Padres National Forest. There are other important wildlife corridors. The ordinance requires property owners to allow animals to pass through their land. It also sets limits on building, fencing, and outdoor lighting. A new wildlife bridge will soon be constructed to safely allow mountain lions and other animals to cross the 101 freeway.
Rare Mammals
Desert Bighorn Sheep
Ovis canadensis nelsoni Photo: Chuck Graham Federally listed as endangered. State listed as threatened. A population has been established in the Los Padres National Forest. |
Wolf
Canis lupus Photo: California Department of Fish and Wildlife State listed as endangered. A single gray wolf, OR-93, with tracking collar, walked all the way from Oregon and was recently spotted in our area near Mount Pinos. It is the first time in almost 100 years that a wolf has been seen in Ventura County. UPDATE: On November 10, 2021, OR-93 was tragically found dead near Interstate 5 near the town of Lebec. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife determined that the wolf died of trauma consistent with vehicular strike and does not suspect foul play. |
San Joaquin Kit Fox
Vulpes macrotis mutica Photo: Chuck Graham Federally listed as endangered. State listed as threatened. Occurs in the Carrizo Plain. |
Pallid Bat
Antrozous pallidus Photo: Ann Froschauer, United States Fish and Wildlife Service Forest Service listed as sensitive. Unlike many bats which take insects on the wing, pallid bats feed largely on flightless insects by foraging on the ground. |