Mammal Checklist

A ground squirrel sits on a lichen-covered rock
California Ground Squirrel

Photo by NPS/Cindy N Martinez

Understanding Species Abundance at Pinnacles

The species abundance classification at Pinnacles National Park helps visitors understand how frequently they might encounter various wildlife species in the park. The abundance categories provide insight into the likelihood of seeing specific animals or plants in their natural habitat.

Abundance Key

  • A = Abundant: Frequently seen throughout the park.
  • C = Common: Seen in moderate numbers in most areas of the park.
  • U = Uncommon: Found in low numbers or limited areas.
  • R = Rare: Verified presence, but sightings are very unlikely.
  • **: Species presence not yet confirmed.

These classifications are based on the chances of encountering species without disturbing their natural shelters. While some species are easily visible, others may be more elusive, requiring a bit of luck or patience to observe.

Common Name Genus Species Abundance Native ?
Virginia Opossum Didelphis virginiana R No
Trowbridge's Shrew Sorex trowbridgii R Yes
Ornate Shrew Sorex ornatus U Yes
Broad-footed Mole Scapanus latimanus U Yes
Little Brown Myotis Myotis lucifugus ** Yes
Yuma Myotis Myotis yumanensis R Yes
Long-eared Myotis Myotis evotis C Yes
Fringed Myotis Myotis thysanodes C Yes
Long-legged Myotis Myotis volans U Yes
California Myotis Myotis californicus C Yes
Western Small-footed Myotis Myotis ciliolabrum U Yes
Silver-haired Bat Lasionycteris noctivagans ** Yes
Western Pipistrelle Parastrellus hesperus C Yes
Big Brown Bat Eptesicus fuscus C Yes
Red Bat Lasiurus blossevillii R Yes
Hoary Bat Lasiurus cinereus R Yes
Townsend's Big-eared Bat Corynorhinus townsendii C Yes
Pallid Bat Antrozous pallidus C Yes
Brazilian Free-tailed Bat Tadarida brasiliensis R Yes
Western Mastiff Eumops perotis C Yes
Black-tailed Jackrabbit Lepus californicus C Yes
Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii C Yes
Brush Rabbit Sylvilagus bachmani C Yes
California Ground Squirrel Otospermophilus beecheyi A Yes
Merriam's Chipmunk Neotamias merriami C Yes
Botta's Pocket Gopher Thomomys bottae C Yes
California Pocket Mouse Chaetodipus californicus C Yes
Heermanns' Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys heermanni C Yes
Big-eared Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys elephantinus C Yes
Western Harvest mouse Reithrodontomys megalotus C Yes
Parasitic Mouse Peromyscus californicus C Yes
Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus C Yes
Brush Mouse Peromyscus boylii U Yes
Pinon Mouse Peromyscus truei A Yes
Desert Woodrat Neotoma lepida A Yes
Dusky-footed Woodrat Neotoma fuscipes C Yes
California Vole Microtus californicus U Yes
House Mouse Mus musculus R No
Coyote Canis latrans C Yes
Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus C Yes
Ringtail Bassariscus astutus ** Yes
Raccoon Procyon lotor C Yes
Long-tailed Weasel Mustela frenata U Yes
Badger Taxidea taxus U Yes
Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis U Yes
Mountain Lion Puma concolor U Yes
Bobcat Lynx rufus C Yes
Feral Pig Sus scrofa R No
Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus C Yes

Last updated: October 23, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

5000 East Entrance Road
Paicines, CA 95043

Phone:

831 389-4486
Please call the number above for all park related inquiries. For camping questions contact the Pinnacles Campground at (831) 200-1722. For the park book store, please call (831) 389-4485.

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