Wildlife Viewing on Mount Diablo
Spectacular Mammal and Wildlife Watching Opportunities
Dec 19, 2008
The majestic Mount Diablo has one of the most diverse climates and habitats in the San Francisco Bay Area. The mountain boasts 360 degrees of unobstructed views. The total land area visible from the summit look-out is the greatest in North America - about 40,000 square miles. From here you can see 35 (out of 58) counties in California. With binoculars, Yosemite's Half Dome, Mt. Shasta, and the Farallon Islands are visible.
'Devil Mountain' sits 3,849 feet above the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley, and is home to over 100 species of animals, as well as 650 species of flowering plants. A combination of 12 species of endangered animals and plants has been identified, making the mountain irresistible to wildlife viewers and trackers. Hikers, bikers, equestrians, and campers have 150 miles of trails from which to choose.
While on the mountain, use the opportunity to not only watch wildlife but to record it, as well. Taking a notebook along is always handy for sketching or to keep a record of the animals seen or tracked. A camera is a must to capture detail, and think about bringing plaster of Paris to cast animal tracks for a permanent keepsake. Don't forget the binoculars!
Mammals on Mt. Diablo
- Mountain Lion (Cougar) – Definitely around, however, mountain lions are extremely secretive, and are rarely spotted. Of course, that doesn’t mean they haven’t watched you.
- Bobcats – These are very shy animals, and are also rarely spotted by visitors, however, the best time to try is in the early morning or evening.
- Coyotes – Can be a bit secretive, however, are quite often seen running through the grasses or pouncing on mice.
- Grey Fox – These guys are often seen and very abundant on Mt. Diablo.
- Skunk – The 'striped skunk' is occasionally seen wandering around, but the 'spotted skunk' hasn’t been seen recently.
- American Badger – These have been sighted, but not in the recent past.
- Raccoons – A species seen readily throughout the park.
- Opossum – North America’s only marsupial is very often seen ambling about.
- Long-Tailed Weasel – This is a fairly secretive fellow, and is rarely seen.
Other mammals to be on the look out for is the fox squirrel, hares (jackrabbits), cottontails, brush rabbits, pocket gophers, ground squirrels, meadow mice, muskrats, wood rats, white-footed mice, western harvest mice, shrew, and broad-footed moles.
Mammals Probably Extinct on Mt. Diablo
Among the mammals that reside on the mountain, there are those that haven’t been spotted in current times, and are near extinction.
- The San Joaquin Kit Fox
- Hermann’s Kangaroo Rat
- American Badger
Mammals Extinct on Mt. Diablo
These mammals at one time were an intricate part of the mountain’s habitat, but have now vanished from the state park.
- Grey Wolf – Disappeared around the mid 1940s.
- Grizzly Bear – Declared extinct from the entire state of California in 1924.
- Pronghorn Antelope
- Tule Elk
- Grey Squirrel – In 1960, the fox squirrel was introduced to Mount Diablo, and has basically replaced the grey squirrel. Grey squirrels haven’t been seen since the fox squirrel was released.
If you think you are viewing an animal species that is thought to have been extinct from the mountain, try to get a clear, detailed picture of the animal. This photo can be brought to a ranger at the visitor’s center to be identified.
Note: If the animal is a predator, please maintain a logical and respectful distance. Safety is more important than a photograph.
The visitor’s center offers current information on exploring Mount Diablo State Park. Be sure to visit the summit overlook for the most incredible views anywhere of wildlife, and human habitat. For more information on Mount Diablo State Park in Northern California, go to California State Parks.
Interested in tracking? Check out How To Track Animals, and to get even closer, read How to Build a Blind For Wildlife Viewing. For more on casting animal prints, check out How To Cast Animal Tracks.
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