San Benito County Local News: Animals

Spring is here, which means so are wildlife youngsters. Many of us come across young wildlife that at first might appear abandoned or injured. This is most often not the case. 

San Benito County authorities warned that a dead skunk found recently in Aromas was infected with the rabies virus and anyone who thinks they have been in contact with a rabid animal should take precautions.

The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world, reaching speeds up to 186 mph during a dive. Following near extinction from DDT in the 1970s, the peregrine population has resurged—but in recent years, its numbers began to drop again.

The Pet Friends’ Cowboy Fur Ball Westen Wags & Whiskers Night for Rescues was held on March 29 at the Ridgemark Golf Club & Resort. “We are so grateful for Pet Friends and Rescue's generous support,” said Jack Scutchall, the organization’s president, “and we are thrilled that over 100 guests come to our fundraising events each year.”

In December 2024, the Pinnacles National Park Condor Reestablishment Program released its 2023 annual report outlining the status of the Central California flock, which the park manages in partnership with the Ventana Wildlife Society.

The National Audubon Society proudly announces that Paicines Ranch in California's San Benito County has earned the bird-friendly land certification through Audubon's Conservation Ranching program. This certification recognizes Paicines Ranch's commitment to managing its 7,000-plus acres of central California rangeland for the benefit of birds and biodiversity.

Pet Friends & Rescue—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, no-kill-shelter—is excited to announce its reopening after a 4-year closure. As San Benito County’s only low-cost spay and neuter clinic, it has completed over 10,000 surgeries which has helped eliminate tens-of-thousands of unwanted cats and dogs to proliferate and roam our community.

On a quiet afternoon in January, Jeff Mundell’s voice calls out a simple melody in the countryside. A herd of calves follows his familiar call as they make their way across new and unknown territory. Gabilan Ranch’s crew started down Fremont Peak Tuesday morning with 187 head of cattle. Using PG&E utility roads and neighbors' private roads, the crew navigated a path down the steep mountainside towards Paicines Ranch. In coming weeks, the cattle will move on to a third ranch across Highway 25.For the first time, Paicines Ranch and its neighbors are moving livestock across three properties in a cross-country cattle-drive, rather than hauling them in livestock trailers. It’s an effort they’re calling Cowboy Corridors.

The goats at the Santa Clara County Animal Services Center in San Martin have a new source of shade: an array of solar panels that generate power for the 37,000-square-foot shelter.

The art of falconry was on full display at Paicines Ranch on Jan. 25, when members of the California Hawking Club discussed the sport's history and their experiences as falconers with around 60 guests who attended the event.

Mallory Schmitt, San Benito County’s deputy director of public health services, said the general public is not at a high risk from the bird flu outbreak that led Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency on Dec. 18.