You may have heard that P22, Griffith Park’s sole mountain lion, was spotted near Echo Park last week. If you’re just moving to Los Angeles, the idea of mountain lions roaming neighborhoods likely disturbs you. We should point out that P22, a celebrity in a city of celebrities, was probably just searching for a mate. Unfortunately, he won’t find one in Silver Lake. The chances of running into a mountain lion in a residential neighborhood are slim. But impossible? Not in a city built on big dreams. Most Angelenos will go their whole lives without seeing a mountain lion in the wild. Yet it’s still a good idea for those new to the city to get acquainted with our diverse wildlife. Today we’ll look at some of the most common California wildlife found in L.A. This is in no way an exhaustive list, but it may save your cat’s life!
Squirrels: Nature’s Circus Needs a Clown
A variety of squirrels call the branches above the heads of Angelenos home. While most still retain a healthy fear of humans, you’ll occasionally meet one that’s been fed regularly. These individuals have no problem boldly approaching humans expecting a reward. Unless you’re moving to Los Angeles from outside the country, you’re likely already used to squirrels. Many ground squirrels also call Los Angeles home. In fact, ground squirrels seem more plentiful in the Los Angeles Zoo than any other creature. While these clownish critters are relatively harmless, they can decimate urban gardens.
Opossums: L.A.’s (and America’s) Only Native Marsupials
If you’re doing some late night trips to your moving van, you may catch an opossum by surprise. These American marsupials usually stay hidden in the trees that line our sleepy streets. Because of their beady black eyes and hairless tails, they can have the appearance of giant rats. Whether you find them cute or creepy, opossums are vital to the Los Angeles ecosystem. Most notably, they help to keep tick populations under control.
Skunks: Stomp Your Toes or Hold Your Nose
This next creature is one that you may smell before you see. The skunk is the scourge of many unlucky dog walkers who’s unsuspecting pooches get a faceful of scented spray. The defensive smell secreted by skunks can be likened to burning rubber and rotten eggs. And once it touches you, it seems like it will never let go. If you’re moving to Los Angeles from a state where skunks aren’t common, try to avoid surprising one. If you see one in the distance, it can help to stomp your feet. This gives them the chance to scurry away without being startled into deploying their chemical weaponry.
Coyotes: Keep Your Pets Indoors When Moving to Los Angeles
Coyotes are perhaps the most controversial L.A. creatures because of a diet that includes cats and small dogs. These nocturnal canines roam the neighborhoods of Los Angeles constantly searching for food. Sometimes this means raiding a trash can. Other times, it means stalking a stray cat or lost dog. Many Angelenos have lost a beloved pet to these tricky nightstalkers. But it’s important to remember that humans have infringed on the coyotes’ territory. You may hear their otherworldly cries in reaction to passing ambulances or as their hunting party closes in on prey. It can be a disturbing reality check for pet owners new to the city. Coyote sightings are relatively common in the metropolitan L.A. area. Yet, even seasoned residents tend to give these wild dogs their undivided attention when they appear in the night.
Hummingbirds: The Aerial Sprites of Los Angeles Gardens
If you hear an almost mechanical noise speeding through the air above, you’re in a hummingbird’s realm. These rapidly buzzing beauties flit about the fragrant flowers of Los Angeles neighborhoods. While most would agree hummingbirds are adorable, they’re also surprisingly territorial. However, they pose no threat to humans or their pets. Fun fact: a group of hummingbirds is known as a “charm” and these spritely beauties own it.
Black Bears: Reclusive Giants of the Forest
You’re unlikely to see a bear meandering through downtown L.A. Yet, neighborhoods closer to the forests are occasionally visited by local black bears. Anywhere between 100 and 150 black bears reside in the Angeles National Forest. While they mostly stay there, sometimes curiosity or hunger finds them wandering. Who could forget when a young bear got desperate enough to brave a Los Angeles grocery store?
Parrots: Urban Pandemonium
The wild parrots of Los Angeles are invasive (and noisy), so it’s fitting that a group is called a “pandemonium.” You’ll occasionally wake up to these bright and boisterous birds chomping down on fruits or squawking from palm trees. A famous quote from 1962s The Man Who Shot Liberty Vance advises “When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.” But when it comes to L.A.’s feral parrots, it’s impossible to tell where legend ends and fact begins. Some claim they’re the result of escaped pets breeding. Others label them as deserters from the local zoo. Still others credit their intrusion as the result of refugees from a Pasadena pet shop fire. No matter where they came from, they’re here. And they’re not going anywhere.
Rattlesnakes: Brush Up on Your Serpent Safety Precautions
The warmer months bring with them rattlesnake season. Southern California is home to three species of rattler. They prefer to sleep beneath rocks or in crevices, but also come out to sunbathe. What true Angeleno could blame them? Most metropolitan residents won’t encounter these venomous vipers outside of natural areas like Griffith Park. But droughts, hot weather, and wildfire can drive them from their natural habitats. If you’re moving to Los Angeles from an area without venomous snakes, it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on rattlesnake safety.
Mountain Lions: Big Cats and Bigger Reactions
According to the National Park Service, big cats reside in only two of the world’s megacities: Mumbai and Los Angeles. Thankfully, Angelenos don’t have to contend with aggressive tigers, African lions, or jaguars. Yet, our resident big cat species, the mountain lion, still deserves plenty of respect and caution. P22 is easily the most famous of the Greater Los Angeles area’s mountain lions. You may think P22 is an odd name for a mountain lion. But this is a code assigned by the National Park Service with “P” standing for puma and “22” signifying this specific cat. P22 is famed for being the only mountain lion to currently reside in Griffith Park’s 4,000 acres. Though he was recently spotted in the area bordering Echo Park and Silver Lake, he has since returned home. If you’re moving to Los Angeles and want to know more about P22, he has his own exhibit at the Natural History Museum.
Obviously, these aren’t the only examples of wildlife in Los Angeles. You may catch a glimpse of a bobcat or fox while hiking one of the city’s numerous scenic nature trails. Enough birds call the skies above Los Angeles home to warrant their own blog. Grazing deer are a fairly common sight in the Hollywood Hills and forested areas. If you get into the marine areas, you’ll find seals, dolphins, and even a variety of whales. Catalina Island has their iconic buffalo, too. We could go on, but you get the picture. Los Angeles hosts an impressive diversity of wildlife. We can’t imagine our city’s wildlife will overwhelm people moving to Los Angeles from other climes. Still, it never hurts to know what’s out there!
