3 Animals You Might Not Realize Are in California
3 Animals You Might Not Realize Are in California (and Causing Trouble!)
California is home to a surprising variety of wildlife, some of which may be closer than you think to urban and agricultural areas. Here are three more animals you might not realize live in California — and what they could mean for property owners and residents.
1. Marmots: Sneaky Neighbors Under Your Decks and Sheds
Marmots, large ground squirrels known for their social, burrowing behavior, are common in the Sierra Nevada and other mountainous areas of California. We see them around Truckee but do get the occasional reports of them in South Lake Tahoe, and even as low as Nevada City! While they’re mostly known for their endearing whistling calls and hibernation habits, marmots can become troublesome for homeowners when they start seeking shelter under structures like homes, sheds, and outbuildings.
Marmots dig deep, extensive burrows that can destabilize structures, particularly if they burrow close to foundations. These animals are attracted to the security of sheltered spaces, which they see as perfect places for wintering or hiding from predators. A marmot colony under a home or shed can lead to weakened foundations, yard erosion, and damage to gardens as they forage for food.
If you suspect marmots may be setting up a colony on your property, it’s important to address the problem quickly. Installing barriers around vulnerable structures, such as dig-proof fencing or buried wire mesh, can help deter marmots from burrowing too close to your property. However, for large infestations or well-established colonies, professional wildlife control may be necessary to safely relocate the animals and protect your property.
2. Beavers: Flooding Fields and Blocking Waterways
California’s agricultural lands, particularly those in the Central Valley, have experienced an increasing presence of beavers. Known for their industrious nature, beavers use trees, brush, and other natural materials to build dams, which create ponds and wetlands as they seek to establish their own ideal habitat. While these dams are essential to the beaver's way of life, they can cause significant challenges for agricultural operations.
Beavers are found sporadically throughout the state, but can be found along the Truckee River and Tahoe waterways as well.
When beavers construct dams across irrigation canals, creeks, or near agricultural fields, they can cause flooding in farmlands, destroying crops and altering the natural flow of water. Their dams can also interfere with irrigation systems, resulting in water shortages for crops during the dry season. Farmers facing these issues may find themselves in a tough situation, as beavers are a protected species in California and can’t simply be removed or harmed without permission.
If you’re dealing with beaver-related flooding, one solution is to use specialized "beaver deceivers" or "pond levelers." These structures allow water to pass through while tricking the beaver into thinking its dam is intact. In cases of major issues, contacting a professional wildlife control service to manage the situation is the safest and most effective approach.
3. Wolves: A New Predator in the State
One of the most unexpected animals returning to California is the gray wolf. Extinct in the state for nearly a century, wolves have started migrating into California from neighboring Oregon in recent years. This resurgence is exciting for conservationists, as wolves play a crucial role in maintaining balanced ecosystems by controlling prey populations like deer and elk.
However, with the return of wolves comes the potential for some challenges, particularly for ranchers and livestock owners in the Northern California region. While wolves have not yet posed significant issues in California, they are known to prey on livestock in other states. As wolf populations increase, there is a real possibility that they could begin impacting ranching operations in California, especially in counties like Siskiyou and Lassen, where wolf packs have already been sighted.
To date, California’s gray wolf population is still small and tightly monitored, with protections in place to prevent hunting or harm to the species. But ranchers in wolf-populated regions should be prepared for potential encounters. Using secure fencing, adding guardian animals (such as dogs or donkeys), and keeping livestock near barns at night are some preventative measures that can help protect livestock from potential wolf predation.
How We Can Help
At Gold Country Wildlife Control, we understand that these animals are a vital part of California’s ecosystem, but we also know they can pose real challenges for property owners and farmers. Our team specializes in humane wildlife management strategies that protect both your property and the natural habitats of these animals. Whether it’s installing dig-proof barriers to prevent marmots from burrowing under your shed, installing beaver flow devices to manage water levels on agricultural land, or advising on preventative measures for areas with wolf sightings, we’re here to help you co-exist with California’s unexpected neighbors.
Let us know if you’re experiencing issues with local wildlife on your property. We’re here to provide effective, ethical, and long-term solutions for every unique challenge.
