Wildlife Resources
The animals which are most frequently observed in Devils Postpile
National Monument are birds, small diurnal mammals, and invertebrates.
The most frequently seen birds include the Steller’s jay, the
western tanager, dark-eyed juncos, and hairy woodpeckers. Goshawks
and great horned owls are often observed in late summer.
Common mammals within the monument include the golden-mantled ground
squirrel, the lodgepole chipmunk, chickaree, and Belding ground
squirrels. Porcupines, coyotes, long-tailed weasels, pine martens,
and marmots are occasionally sighted.
 |
| Steller’s Jay is a common bird found
in Sierra Nevada conifer forests. In addition to its striking
appearance, it can also be identified by its raucous call.
© NPS photo by H. Clarke. |
Large colonies of Belding ground squirrels are common in Soda Springs
Meadow during the spring and summer months. This species is present
with numerous young early in June. Foraging continues through July
and early August. Often by late August and September, few Beldings
can be located.
Mule deer and black bear are the large mammals present in the monument.
Mule deer visit Soda Springs Meadow in the evening and early-morning
hours.
Black bears are occasionally seen within the monument boundaries.
They were more common before l980; however, the use of bear-proof
garbage receptacles since that time has reduced the availability
of human food, reducing their incentive to forage in the campground.
It is not known if any black bears den or reside within Devils Postpile.
For more information about bears and food storage, you may visit
the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks bear
web site
or the Sierra Interagency
Black Bear Group's website.
 |
| Belding ground squirrels live in or near meadows and
feed primarily on green vegetation. They hibernate in winter.
© NPS photo. |
Because of the cold climate, there are few known species of reptiles
and amphibians within the monument. Those present include the pacific
tree frog, northern alligator lizard, western terrestrial garter
snake and western rattlesnake. Other species may be present.
The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin that flows through the monument
was designated a Wild Trout River in 1995. Although it boasts four
species of trout, they are all non-native species to the Middle
Fork of the San Joaquin River. Many places throughout the Sierra
Nevada (including nearby Starkweather and Sotcher lakes in the Reds
Meadows area) continue to stock fish. The monument has not been
stocked since 1971. Dr. Roland Knapp's website provides
more information on the impact of introduced fish.
A
vertebrate survey
and a bat inventory
are planned for Devils Postpile in 2003 as part of the Sierra Nevada
Network Inventory and Monitoring program. The surveys may add more
species to the current vertebrate list (
downloadable
, 29 KB, PDF
format) for the monument.
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