Animals

Birds
More than 400 bird species  are found at Redwood National and State Parks. Listen for the intricate call of the winter wren and the soulful sustained notes of the varied thrush.

Winter Wren

Varied Thrush

The marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) is known for its long commute. After spending the day fishing at sea, this chunky little auk returns, sometimes many miles inland, to nest in old-growth forests. Murrelets once numbered 60,000 along the California coast. Today less than 6,000 remain.  You can learn how to safeguard their remaining habitat by watching this video.

Visitors are required to watch this short video about the impact human food has on park wildlife.

Mammals
Watchful hikers may spot a Roosevelt elk, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, or black bear on the trails. The easiest species to see (especially in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park) is the Roosevelt elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti). Photographers beware: Bulls can weigh up to 1,200 pounds and aggressively guard their harems, especially during mating season in the fall. Females are wary during calving season in May and June. Respect their habitat and observe safely, from a distance. They range throughout the North Coast, but are easiest to see at neighboring Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

Fish
The park’s 25,000-acre Mill Creek Addition [http://www.savetheredwoods.org/what-we-do/restore/detail.php?id=374] includes a healthy run of coho salmon. Ask at parks headquarters about guided walks along Mill Creek to see the salmon spawn in December and January.
 
For More Information
For more information about animals [http://www.nps.gov/redw/naturescience/animals.htm]
in Redwood National and State Parks, check out the National Park Service website.