The height of the trees and the bareness of the ground below them make most animals easy to spot and observe. The density of the tree canopy makes it difficult for more low-growing plants to survive there, opening up the landscape to anyone interested in seeing many animal species in their natural habitats. The Redwood Forest borders on other protected Pacific Coast land, making it possible to spot some species in more than one location. While there is little threat of extinction for most species on the list, several creatures, such as the Del Norte salamander, the foothill yellow-legged frog, the puma, the western toad and the spotted owl are classified as being as NT, or near-threatened, by the World Conservation Union.
The most well-known four-legged creatures in the Redwood Forest and surrounding area include beaver, porcupine, elk, black bear, bobcat, coyote, gray wolf, raccoon, mule deer, snowshoe hare, striped skunk and white-tailed deer. Other lesser-known species include marten, mink, shrew mole, big brown bat as well as other species of bat; coast mole, creeping vole, fisher, northern river otter, Pacific jumping mouse and western gray Squirrel.
Bird-watchers will have dozens of species to observe, a few of which include the more familiar bald eagle, snow goose, American crow, goldfinch, kestrel, hummingbird, Baltimore oriole, several species of owls including barred, barn, boreal, great gray and spotted. The Redwood Forest is also home to several species of woodpeckers, ducks, swallows, sparrows, thrushes, grouse, hawks, gulls, swifts and warblers.
Shaded rocky areas of the Redwood Forest are favorite dwellings for the spotted salamander, gopher snake, painted turtle, common garter snake, red-legged frog, northern rough-skinned newt, northern alligator lizard, western toad and northern ring-necked snake. Many rivers and streams are linked together across the broad Redwood Forest and adjoining areas. These waterways are home to both salmon and steelhead, making fishing a major attraction.
Well-written wildlife guides are indispensable in helping to identify the many species of animals, birds and reptiles found in the Redwood Forest. Considering the different varieties within the species, primarily with birds and some reptiles, consulting a guide is the only reliable way to know just what you're looking at.
