Over 45 mammal species can be found in the Santa Monica Mountains. Smaller mammals that include insectivores, squirrels, chipmunks, gophers, mice, rats, voles and rabbits comprise a large percentage of the mammal species in the mountains. Although considered by many as pests, these smaller mammals are an important part of the ecosystem. They are a food source for many of the carnivores and raptors that inhabit the Santa Monica Mountains.

The survival of all mammals in the Santa Monica Mountains, especially those that maintain a territorial home range such as the coyote (Canis latrans) and bobcat (Lynx rufus), will depend on their ability to survive amid on-going urban development, habitat fragmentation and loss, as well as their ability to disperse between open space areas and parklands. For mountain lions (Puma concolor), which occupy a very large territorial home range, their persistence in the mountains will depend upon their capability of dispersing to and from other habitat areas beyond the Santa Monica Mountains (i.e. to the Simi Hills and Santa Susana Mountains).

Click here to download a checklist of the mammals of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.