Others, such as the California ground squirrel, probably haveincreased because of their ability to adapt to new conditions. Further,introduced species, such as house mice, Norway and black rats, pigs, and goats,can often outcompete or adversely effect some native mammalian species. Early accounts of high numbers of large herbivores in the Valley are ofinterest. Apparently, the numbers of deer have diminished greatly. Pronghornsonce occurred throughout the Central Valley, but were rare in the Valley by1875 and have since been extirpated.
Efforts now are underway to reintroducethe pronghorn to different parts of their former range.
By 1904, the lastremaining population of 145 animals occurred near former Lake Buena Vista inthe southern San Joaquin Valley. A number of transfer attempts were tried, butthe only successful one was in Yosemite National Park. In 1933, the remainingYosemite population of 26 animals was relocated to the Owens Valley. By 1960,the number of tule elk in the Owens Valley reached 300. To alleviate habitatstress from too many animals, the State started relocating animals to otherareas.