In Devils Postpile National Monument, forests, meadows, and the middle fork of the San Joaquin River create a variety of habitats for animals. There are 135 vertebrates known for the Monument.

When visiting Devils Postpile, you may hear some of the wildlife before you see them, from the high warning squeal of the belding ground squirrel to the begging caw of the Stellar's jay. In the fading light of day, a mule deer or black bear may be found lingering in a meadow or along the river’s edge.