California’s wildlife in 10 minutes

https://ca.audubon.org/news/top-10-birds-california

The Golden State is home to a diverse array of wildlife, from its towering redwood forests to its sun-drenched deserts. Here is a glimpse at some of the most iconic animals that call California home:

• The Golden State condor: Condor is the largest flying land bird in North America, with a wingspan of up to 9.5 feet. It is also one of the rarest birds in the world, with only around 500 individuals remaining in the wild. Condors are scavengers and play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to remove carcasses.

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  The Golden State grizzly bear: Grizzly bear was once a common sight in The Golden State, but it was hunted to extinction in the early 20th century. However, there is growing support for reintroducing grizzly bears to California to help restore the balance of the ecosystem.

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• Sea otter: Sea otters are one of the most playful and intelligent marine mammals in the world. They are also important members of the kelp forest ecosystem, as they help to control sea urchin populations.

 

• Gray whale: Gray whales migrate along the Golden State coast every year, making them a popular sight for whale watchers. These gentle giants are known for their acrobatic behavior, such as ss breaching.

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• Joshua tree: The Joshua tree is a unique and iconic tree that is native to the Mojave Desert. It is known for its twisted branches and sharp leaves. Joshua trees play an important role in the desert ecosystem, providing food and shelter for a variety of wildlife.

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In addition to these iconic species, The Golden State is also home to a wide variety of other wildlife, including:

• Birds: The Golden State has over 600 species of birds, including many that are found nowhere else in the world. Some popular birdwatching destinations include Point Reyes National Seashore, the Salton Sea, and the Central Valley.

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• Reptiles and amphibians: The Golden State is home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, lizards, frogs, and toads. Some popular places to see reptiles and amphibians include Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Death Valley National Park, and the Santa Rosa Mountains.

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• Fish: The Golden State is home to a variety of fish, including trout, salmon, bass, and tuna. Some popular fishing destinations include the Sacramento River, the Colorado River, and the Pacific Ocean. Choosing the California state fish would be a difficult job. There are so many awesome species on offer, from Calico Bass to Largemouth Bass and from Stripers to Sturgeon. Clearly, it was a tough choice, because California landed on not one, but two state fish: Golden Trout and Garibaldi. Here are a few facts about each one. For a lot of people, Golden Trout are the world’s most beautiful fish. We’d have to agree. Their bright yellow belly and iconic red stripe make them instantly recognizable, especially when they shine in the sunlight. They’re certainly not the largest fish in the family. But boy, are they pretty. Golden Trout reach different sizes depending on where they live. In streams, they’re unlikely to grow beyond 8 inches. Lake-dwelling Goldies can occasionally reach double that, though. In fact, the IGFA record for Golden Trout is just over 20 inches, with a weight record of 11 pounds. Just because they’re small, doesn’t mean that they’re easy to catch. Golden Trout are tough to trick and have plenty of spirit once you hook them. That only adds to their legendary status among freshwater anglers.

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• Mammals: The Golden State is home to a variety of mammals, including deer, elk, bears, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. Some of the best places to see mammals include Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and the Mendocino National Forest.

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The Golden State’s wildlife is an important part of the state’s natural heritage. It is essential to protect these animals and their habitats for future generations.