Animals and Plants

We want your visit to the Mendocino National Forest to be a pleasant experience. You can help by understanding that you are visiting the home of many wildlife creatures. Some of these are bears. As in many areas where wildlife and humans come into contact with one another, there have been some problems with bears in a few campgrounds, especially in the Hammerhorn Lake area on the Covelo Ranger District and the Lake Pillsbury area on the Upper Lake Ranger District.

Forest visitors have generated most of the problems by not understanding that if you feed bears, it encourages them to venture into camping sites where they can be very destructive. Feeding bears also causes them to lose their fear of humans, which almost always causes the bear's death.

What do I do if I encounter a bear?

If you encounter a bear in the woods, maintain a safe distance. A "cool" head is necessary to avert harm to yourself or the unnecessary killing of a bear. Shooting a bear often escalates the situation to a dangerous and unnecessary level.

First try to back out of the situation. Keep calm, avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly and speak in a soft monotone. Never turn your back on the bear and never kneel. Most encounters end with the bear leaving at this point.

Never run, and do not climb a tree unless you have time to climb at least 10 feet before the bear reaches you. Remember, bears can run very fast. If you do have time to climb a tree, you may want to drop a non-food item, such as a camera, to distract the bear while you climb.

If a bear charges, stand your ground. Bears often "mock charge" or run past you. The bear may charge you several times before leaving the area. Shooting a bear when it is charging is not recommended. The bear almost always lives long enough to maul the shooter severely.

As a last resort, play dead. Curl into a ball, covering your neck and head with your hands and arms. If you have a backpack, leave it on as it will help protect your back. If the bear swats you, roll with it. Stay in a tucked position and do not try to look at the bear until you are sure it is gone. Many people have survived bear attacks using this tactic. Report all encounters, no matter how insignificant, and even if it is much later. Your report may prevent someone else from getting hurt.

Bears that come into your camp are a completely different situation. They have chosen to approach you and have most likely become habituated to human food and garbage. These bears are dangerous because they are no longer avoiding confrontations with humans. It is important that you store your food properly. If the bear does not get a food reward, it will be more likely to leave quickly. Stay calm, avoid direct eye contact and speak to the bear. Get to safety as quickly as possible by slowly backing out of the area while looking for suitable trees to climb. Do not remain in a campsite that has been visited by a bear.

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are found through most of California. The California Department of Fish and Game estimates a population range of 250,000 to 750,000 individuals. Coyotes are very adaptable and inhabit most areas of the state with the exception of the centers of major metropolitan areas. They are medium sized animals belonging to the dog family. Most adults weigh between 22 to 25 pounds on the average, with males being the larger sex. With large erect ears, slender muzzle, and bushy tail they resemble a small collie dog. In the hotter drier regions of California, coyotes are tan-brown in color with streaks of gray. In the more mountainous or humid areas the color is darker with less brown. In the winter the coats become quite dense, especially in the colder areas. The voice of the coyote is quite distinctive, consisting of various howls, high-pitched yaps, and occasional dog like barks. Coyotes are proficient predators, possessing the speed, strength, and endurance necessary to tackle prey as large as adult deer.

In California, coyotes breed mainly during January, February, and March. The gestation period is about 60-63 days. Young are born March through May, with litter sizes averaging 5-6 pups. Coyotes produce one litter per year. The young are weaned at 5-6 weeks and leave the parents at 6 to 9 months. Most adults breed first in their second year. Non-breeding yearlings often stay with the adult parents and help care of the pups. Coyote dens are found in steep banks, rock crevices, sinkholes, and underbrush. Often these are holes that have been used by badger, skunks, foxes, or other animals with entrances enlarged to about one foot in diameter. Dens vary from 4 to 5 feet wide to 50 feet deep.

The diet of the coyote consists mainly of mice, rats, ground squirrels, gophers, rabbits, and carrion. They also eat insects, reptiles, amphibians, fruits, birds and their eggs, and deer fawns. In some rural areas of California they prey heavily on sheep, cattle, and poultry. In urban and suburban areas, garbage, domestic cats, dogs and other pets, hobby animals, and pet food can be important food items.

Coyotes are most active at night and during the early morning and late evening hours. In areas where they are not disturbed by human activities and during the cooler times of the year, they may be active throughout the day. Urban coyotes are becoming very tolerant of human activities. Young coyotes tend to be more active during daylight hours than adults. Home range size varies depending on food availability.

Distemper and canine hepatitis are among the most common diseases of coyotes. Rabies and tularemia also occur and may be transmitted to humans and other animals Coyotes often carry parasites including mites, ticks, fleas, worms, and flukes. Mites that cause sarcoptic mange are an important ectoparasite of coyotes. Heart worm is one of the most important endoparasites in California's coyote population. This parasite can be transmitted to domestic dogs by mosquitoes.

Coyotes can cause substantial damage. In rural areas they often kill sheep, calves, and poultry. In some parts of the state they cause damage to drip irrigation systems by biting holes in the pipe. In other areas they cause considerable damage to watermelons, citrus fruits, and avocados. Aircraft safety is often jeopardized when coyotes take up residence on or near runways. Coyotes have also been known to prey on various endangered/threatened species including the kit fox and the California least tern. In urban and suburban areas, coyotes commonly take domestic house cats, small dogs, poultry, and other domestic animals. Coyotes have been known to attack humans, and in one case, a coyote in southern California killed a three-year-old girl.

During the time of the year when adult coyotes are caring for young (May-September), they can be very aggressive. Domestic dogs are especially vulnerable to attack during this time. In urban settings where a den site has been identified, the area should be posted with signs and caution should be taken to keep dogs out of the area. Increased predation on all domestic pets can be expected around den sites. In some cases a family group of coyotes can be harassed enough to encourage them to move. Whenever possible, coyotes should be harassed or scared to condition them to avoid humans.

Coyotes are not threatened or endangered in California and are classified as non-game mammals by the Department of Fish and Game. Where coyotes continue to be a problem after non-lethal methods have proven unsuccessful or when human health and safety is jeopardized, it is sometimes necessary to kill one or more animals. Coyotes can be shot where legal and appropriate or captured using a variety of restraining devices. California Department of Fish and Game regulations prohibit the relocation of coyotes without written permission from the Department. For further information on the legal status of coyotes and other wildlife contact your local California Department of Fish and Game Regional Office.

Over the past decade, accumulated evidence indicates an alarming decline in amphibian populations worldwide. Population declines seem to be particularly severe in the western United States. Native frogs and toads have been some of the most affected in California. Reasons for the decline of frogs and toads include pollution, fragmentation, disease, habitat loss and getting eaten by exotic species like bullfrogs.

Frogs and toads are both predators and prey in the aquatic food web. They are important for the survival of other species as food, and they help keep the insects they eat in a balance. These amphibians are relatively long-lived and utilize both terrestrial and aquatic habitats at different stages in their life histories.

• Arroyo toad: Restricted to sandy or gravelly margins of large streams from San Luis Obispo County south to Baja California, from sea level to 6,000 ft. elevation. Habitat includes riparian terraces with oaks, willows or cottonwoods and shallow, gravel-bottom pools in streams.
• Bullfrog: an exotic, non-native species which eats other frogs. Originally from southeastern U.S. and transplanted in the west by human introductions. Upper elevation limit is 9,000 ft.
• California red-legged frog: found in still to slow moving water, lakes, ditches, ponds, slow moving streams. Disperses during rains in non-breeding season and may be seen considerable distances from water. Need a support to attach their eggs. Most active at night. From sea level to 5,000 ft. elevation.
• Cascades frog: occurs in the mountains in open coniferous forests along sunny, rock banks of ponds, lakes, streams and meadow potholes. From 2,600 to 9,000 ft. elevation in Cascades and Trinity Mountains.
• Foothill yellow-legged frog: frequents rocky, sunny banks along streams and rivers of all sizes in woodlands, chaparral and forest. Closely restricted to water. From seas level to rarely around 6,000 ft. elevation.
• Mountain yellow-legged frog: inhabits sunny streambanks, meadow streams, isolated pools and lake borders in the high Sierra Nevada from 4,500 ft. to over 12,000 ft elevation, and rocky streams in the mounts of southern California from 850 ft. to 7,500 ft. Seem to prefer sloping banks with rocks or vegetation to the water's edge.
• Northern leopard frog: Occurs in all manner of aquatic habitats streams, ponds, bogs, canals, reservoirs, banks. May forage far from water in damp meadows. They are most active at night. Populations in northeastern California (Modoc and Lassen counties) and the Owens Valley are likely native, while others in California (e.g., Lake Tahoe) may have been introduced. Most widely distributed amphibian of North America.  From sea level to approximately 7,000 ft. elevation.
• Northern red-legged frog: Found in still to slow moving water, lakes, ditches, ponds, slow moving streams. Disperses during rains in non-breeding season and may be seen considerable distances from water. Attaches eggs to aquatic or overhanging vegetation or submerged roots. Most active at night.
• Yosemite toad: Dwells in the vicinity of lakes or ponds with grassy margins, wet meadows and quiet streams. They are active mostly in daytime (western toads more active at night). Higher elevations of Sierra Nevada mountains 4,800 to 12,000 ft. 

About half of California is prime mountain lion country. This fact may be a surprise to many residents and visitors. These large, powerful predators have always lived here, preying on deer and other wildlife, and playing an important role in the ecosystem.

The status of the mountain lion in California evolved from that of "bountied predator" between 1907 and 1963, meaning monetary incentives were offered for every mountain lion killed, to "game mammal" in 1969 to "special protected mammal" in 1990. The change in legal status reflected growing public appreciation and concern for mountain lions.

You may live or play in mountain lion country. Like any wildlife, mountain lions can be dangerous. With a better understanding of mountain lions and their habitat, we can coexist with these magnificent animals.

• Physical Appearance: The mountain lion, also known as cougar, panther or puma, is tawny colored with black tipped ears and tail. Although smaller than the jaguar, it is one of North America's largest cats. Adult males may be more than 8 feet long, from nose to end of tail, and generally weigh between 130 and 150 pounds. Adult females can be 7 feet long and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. Mountain lions kittens, or cubs, are covered with blackish brown spots and have dark rings around their tails. The markings fade as they mature.
• Behavior: Mountain lions are very powerful and normally prey upon large animals, such as deer, bighorn sheep and elk. However, they can survive preying on small animals as well. They usually hunt alone, at night. They prefer to ambush their prey, often from behind. They usually kill with a powerful bite below the base of the skull, breaking the neck. They often cover the carcass with dirt, leaves or snow and may come back to feed on it over the course of a few days. Their generally secretive and solitary nature is what makes it possible for humans to live in mountain lion country without ever seeing a mountain lion.
• Habitat: Mountain lions live in many different types of habitat in California, wherever deer are present. Foothills and mountains are prime mountain lion habitat.
• Home Range: An adult male's home range often spans over 100 square miles. Females generally use smaller areas, about twenty to sixty square miles. Along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, where competition for habitat is intense, as many as ten adult lions may occupy the same 100 square mile area.
• Population: In California, mountain lion populations have grown. In 1920, a rough estimate put the mountain lion population at 600. Since then, more accurate estimates, based on field studies of mountain lions, revealed a population of more than 2,000 mountain lions in the 70's. Today's population estimate ranges between 4,000-6,000.
• Mortality: A mountain lion's natural life span is probably about 12 years in the wild and up to 25 years in captivity. Natural enemies include other large predators such as bears, lions and, at one time in California, wolves. They also fall victim to accidents, disease, road hazards and people.
• Prints: Dogs and lions prints at a glance look very much alike. But if you look close the obvious toenail prints for dogs, are absent for mountain lions. Also the lion track has a distinctive "M" shaped pad.

What should you do if you encounter a lion?

The following suggestions are based on studies of mountain lion behavior and analysis of attacks by mountain lions, tigers and leopards.

• Do Not Hike Alone: Go in groups, with adults supervising children.
• Keep Children Close To You: Observations of captured wild mountain lions reveal that the animals seem especially drawn to children. Keep children within your sight at all times.
• Do Not Approach a Lion: Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
• Do Not Run From a Lion: Running may stimulate a mountain lions instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. If you have small children with you, pick them up if possible so they don't panic and run. Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over of turning away from the mountain lion.
• Do Not Crouch Down or Bend Over: Research has surmised that a human standing up is just not the right shape for a cat's prey. On the other hand, a person squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal. If you're in mountain lion country, avoid squatting, crouching or bending over, even when picking up children.
• Do All You Can To Appear Larger: Raise you arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Again, pick up small children. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. The idea is to convince the mountain lion that your not prey and that you may be a danger to it.
• Fight Back if Attacked: A hiker in Southern California used a rock to fend off a mountain lion that was attacking his son. Others have fought back successfully with sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools and their bare hands. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.
• Report all encounters or attacks: Contact the Department of Fish and Game or the local Sheriff's office.

Many kinds of insects (butterflies, bees, flies, wasps, beetles, etc.) as well as a few birds and bats play an essential role in plant reproduction and biodiversity. As they visit flowers to drink nectar, they also transfer pollen between flowers. These pollinators are keystone species and vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustaining life on earth.

Pollinators are adapted to local, native plants, but invasive plant species can crowd out native plants. This habitat loss is a major threat to pollinators and the plant communities they support.

This Western Tiger Swallowtail feeds on the nectar of a bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), which is native to Europe and Asia and invasive all over the world in the temperate zones. Invasive species like this thistle compete directly with native plant species for water, nutrients, and space.

Invasive plants can be a serious problem after disturbances, including logging, high intensity wildfire and mechanical equipment use. Treatment options include hand pulling, mowing, grazing, prescribed fire, and herbicide.

When you are recreating in the forest, there are a few things you can do to fight invasive plants and preserve native plant species and their pollinators:

• Clean boots/shoes between hikes – remove mud and seeds so you do not transport them to another area.
• Drive only on established roads and trails.
• Do not travel or camp in weed-infested areas.
• When using pack animals, carry only feed that is certified weed-free.
• Remove weed seeds from the fur, hooves, and gear of pack animals.
• AT HOME: Do not plant invasive species in your home garden or yard – many invasive species escaped from domestic cultivation.

Learn more

• Butterfly Pollination
• Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden Using Native Plants
• Pollinator-Friendly Best Management Practices for Federal Lands

Rattlesnakes are shy and secretive animals that choose to avoid confrontation with people and are seldom seen. Be cautious when hiking, backpacking, hunting or playing in the woods. If you do see one leave it alone because if cornered, it will defend itself.

Eighty percent of a rattlesnake's diet is made up of rodents and in any given year, they might eat as much as 25% of the rodent population in any given area.

If you, or someone you know is bitten, remain calm and seek medical attention immediately. Do not try any of the old remedies like cutting the bite and sucking out the venom, or using a snakebite kit, or using a car battery to run a current through the affected area. Your best bet is a doctor and anti-venom.

If you think you hear a rattlesnake...STAND STILL! Avoid jumping or running blindly. Look carefully until you locate the snake and then make your move. Remember that harmless snakes, moving in dry leaves and grass, can sound like rattlesnakes rattling.

Even "DEAD" rattlesnakes can bite, so...caution is advised. Treat any rattlesnake, dead or alive, with respect.

Each time a rattler sheds its skin it can add 1 rattle. Because they can shed 2 to 3 times each year, the number of rattles is NOT indicative of age. Rarely are there more than 10 or 12 rattles because the outer ones wear out and break off.

Sudden oak death (SOD) is a canker disease of forest trees and shrubs, which was recently introduced to California from an unknown source. The disease symptoms were first reported in 1995 in Marin County, and has since been found in additional coastal counties in California (Alameda, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and Trinity) and in Southern Oregon (Curry County).

The disease is widespread in coastal California and is found commonly in two forest types: in the understory of coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forests on tanoak; and in coastal evergreen forests on oaks, madrone (Arbutus manziesii), bay laurel, and other species. In counties that are heavily infested dead and dying trees are common in forests, backyard, parks, and open-space greenbelts. 

An extensive research team has been formed to look at detection, spread, how it interacts with different host species, possible control measures, biomass removal, etc. For the most current information about sudden oak death, including research projects, photos of the host species symptoms, please visit the California Oak Mortality Task Force at www.suddenoakdeath.org.

History

Although smaller than the Roosevelt elk, the Tule elk is one of the largest land mammals native to California. These elk likely evolved from Rocky Mountain elk in California during the Pleistocene era. Tule elk made a lasting impression on the first Europeans to arrive here. Accounts from journals and diaries of these early explorers indicate that approximately 500,000 Tule elk inhabited much of the oak-woodland and oak-grassland of their original environment.

The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848 brought about the greatest impact on the Tule elk population. The gold rush era resulted in tremendous pressures placed on the Golden State's wildlife resources due in part to market hunters and, more importantly, the competition with livestock and the conversion of perennial grasslands to agricultural farming. By the late 1860s, Tule elk were exterminated from all but one small locale in the southern San Joaquin Valley.

In 1976 Congress passed a law requiring suitable federal lands be made available for Tule elk. The Tule Elk Interagency Task Force was established in 1977, and this Task Force prepared an aggressive re-introduction program. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Tule elk were introduced to the Lake Pillsbury basin. Today you can often view them living on the north side of Lake Pillsbury and along the Hwy 20 corridor.

Current and future projects

The Forest Service, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the California State Department of Fish and Game, and the California Deer Association are cooperating to improve habitat for Tule elk and deer in the Lake Pillsbury Basin.

Projects include prescribed burning and brush manipulation to improve forage. Radio telemetry is being conducted, hoping to determine what areas the elk are concentrating in and where they are calving. Interpretive signs have been created and placed within the Lake Pillsbury basin.

Future goals to improve habitat for Tule elk in the Lake Pillsbury basin include prescribed burning and more brush manipulation projects. Numerous areas around the basin have the potential to be thinned.

Other ideas include native seed distribution and star thistle control. Radio telemetry will continue to gain additional information as to the exact habitats the elk are utilizing. With the help of our partners, we can continue to improve the habitat.