Animals

Adult male nilgai — Nilgai are an invasive species found at the park.
NPS Photo

Welcome to the Wild Side

The assortment of habitats at Palo Alto supports a variety of animal life. Coyotes, jackrabbits, and bobcats roam the open plain. Javelina, opossums, tortoises and many other animals find refuge in the cover of brush.

Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fiddler crabs can be found in burrows under the ground while dozens of different kinds of birds, including raptors and tropical species can be spotted on their perches in tree branches.
While Palo Alto is a battlefield site, it's also home to many interesting natural resources.

As you tour the park, take a careful look around. Some of these animals were the same ones seen by soldiers in 1846. Others are more recent arrivals to this site. You may be surprised by what you find.