Wildlife

A humpback whale is seen breaching off the coast of California in 2010.
Article
We have been fortunate to spot humpback and gray whales from the coast at Mori Point, as well as from the mountains at Rancho Corral de Tierra. We recommend heading out to the coast as soon as possible, if you want to bid them adieu.
A White-Tailed Kite in flight.
Article
The White-Tailed Kite is a beautiful predatory raptor that has recently been spotted at various parklands in San Mateo. Read more about the role this bird plays in its ecosystem and why I think it is so special.
Banana slug spotted at Rancho Corral de Tierra.
Article
The California banana slug is one of San Mateo County’s most iconic species. These animals need moisture, shade, and decomposing plant and animal material for consumption.
Coyotes
Conservation
We want you to have a howlingly good time in the Golden Gate National Parks, but we also want to protect the wildlife that howl (and those that don’t).
Humpback Whale
Park E-Ventures Article
Thar she blows! Your coastal parklands are parallel to a marine passage for migrating humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, orcas, and so many more leviathans. We talked to the experts about what you can do to enhance your chances of spotting a whale spout on your next visit.
Coyote
May 5, 2016
Wildlife cameras installed in Mt. Tam’s open spaces a year and a half ago have begun revealing some surprising things about the mountain’s furry residents.
California red-legged frog
Our Work
Staff of the Parks Conservancy and National Park Service teamed up to restore the frog's critical habitat at Mori Point, and now they've returned to document the success of these restoration efforts. Find out what they discovered!
sea lion
Park E-Ventures Article
In honor of the upcoming Rio Olympics, we asked: Which animals are the best swimmers, divers, and fliers in these parklands and waters? They’re competing tooth-and-nail (and claw-and-tail) to claim the “gold” at Golden Gate! Find out which species stand atop the podium.
Humpback Whale
Park E-Ventures Article
In May 2016, just outside the Golden Gate (and off the coast of our Golden Gate National Parks), humpback whales were gathering in record numbers—and blue whales were making extremely rare spring appearances. What explains this massing of these mammoth mammals?
Mission Blue Butterfly
Park E-Ventures Article
In April 2016, a team of scientists hatched a daring plan to save some endangered mission blue butterflies from a Milagra Ridge site ravaged by a plant pathogen. See how—and why—they relocated a couple of endangered butterflies to another spot on Milagra.