As with any wildlife, please view from a distance only, to prevent possible harassment that may stress or injure animals and make them more vulnerable to predators. Because the Carrizo Plain is so hot and dry in the summer, many of its wildlife inhabitants are burrowing animals that stay underground during the day and forage mostly at night. During the spring months, both nocturnal and diurnal animals become more active. For most animals, this is the time of year that reproduction occurs. Diurnal animals include most birds, California ground squirrels, San Joaquin antelope squirrels, cottontail and jack rabbits, coyotes, pronghorn antelope and Tule elk.
Reptiles are out in full force.
The blunt-nosed leopard lizard is another endangered species found within the Carrizo Plain National Monument and are also susceptible to vehicle strikes. Always hike with caution as rattlesnakes are common on the Carrizo Plain. One of the more fascinating little animals to pop out of a burrow, is the little burrowing owl . Often very difficult to see during winter time, it is quite common to see them in the spring. Help us preserve the Carrizo Plain s diverse wildlife.